COLUMBIA, S.C. — South Carolina saw a nearly 50 percent increase in human trafficking victims last year, according to a new report released by the South Carolina Attorney General's Office.
Attorney General Alan Wilson released the findings Monday at a news conference with those who are members of the state's human trafficking task force.
The increase in cases was from the number of people who called into the National Human Trafficking hotline. “Additionally, we are seeing a steady increase in the number of children and youth who have been identified by DSS as victims," Wilson said.
Wilson said his office is starting a new prevention education initiative this year that will offer year-round opportunity for young people to be more aware of the complexities of the crime. he prevention education program was designed for middle and high schools, youth-serving agencies, faith groups, and child welfare agencies.
"We are now able to develop curriculum and educational programs to raise awareness with young people, who are usually a demographic that's exploited," Wilson said.
The Attorney General's office has hired a program coordinator to go into schools and businesses for specific training and education.
"We're also looking at further educating the community about labor trafficking, including those with disabilities who are being targeted by human traffickers and we will be certifying direct service providers, both community based programs and residential programs to ensure that victims aren't re-victimized," said Kathryn Moorehead, director of SC Human Trafficking Task Force.
South Carolina is jumping into action, but the state's task force director said funding is needed to solve the problem.
"In the ten years that we have been a mandated task force we've had zero financial appropriations. We are tackling this problem, but we do need the financial support to be able to really accel and overcome and prevent this from happening across the state," Moorehead said.
More progress is being made, but there are also limitations.
To report an incident or seek victim services, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. The Hotline is confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.