COLUMBIA, S.C. — The state's human trafficking task force announced the number of victims in South Carolina in 2019 increased 360 percent compared to 2018.
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson held a press conference with representatives from the more than 300 individuals and organizations on the state taskforce.
Wilson said in 2018 the state had 188 reported victims, but in 2019 the number of victims grew to 678.
The top five counties for reported human trafficking were Horry, Greenville, Richland, Dorchester, and Charleston.
“If you see what you think is human trafficking behavior, you know, and you don't know the human trafficking hotline, or you don't have time to google human trafficking hotline or Polaris, you can call your local enforcement. I would encourage you to always- especially if it's imminent and you see someone potentially being trafficked. Call law enforcement immediately,” Wilson said.
Wilson said the cases usually fell into labor or sex trafficking crimes.
In 2019, the state had 156 reported cases, also an increase from 2018, and Wilson warned it can happen to anyone.
“One of the top five or two of the top five ways that kids or young people are being exploited are through familial or intimate partner relationships. So, this idea that you have to be an immigrant coming across a border, or you have to be overseas in a 3rd world country, or you have to be of a certain socioeconomic status, or you have to be a certain race or gender, it's a misconception,” Wilson added.
The taskforce credits people's awareness as the reason the number of reported cases and victims increased.
It's why the South Carolina Beer Wholesaler's Association is trying to help.
“All of our vehicles will be equipped with special signage on the rear of the vehicles for the month of January, which is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. And the national human trafficking hotline will be displayed on those. What we hope is we have hundreds of vehicles that are on the roads throughout South Carolina. Hundreds of thousands of motorists are hopefully going to see these,” said Lance Boozer, the association’s executive director.
Boozer said they’re also installing posters in customer restaurants, bars, rest stops, and other locations. They also plan on training their employees on how to spot potential victims and urging them to report any suspicions to authorities.
Boozer said the company has 2,500 employees working or traveling through all 46 counties in South Carolina, so he said they’re hoping it gets the message out.