U.S. Department
of Justice
United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Human Trafficking Simulation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month
GREENSBORO – United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston announced today that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina (USAO-MDNC), in partnership with Triad Ladder of Hope and the Lexington Police Department, hosted a simulation for community members, law enforcement, and service organizations to learn about the warning signs of human trafficking and provide resources for victims.
Each year, the Department of Justice recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness month in January in an effort to better educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and bring awareness to the victims. This year, the USAO-MDNC hosted its first human trafficking simulation to allow law enforcement, community members, and service providers a chance to learn more about what it is like to be a victim of human trafficking in order to better serve victims and their families. Over fifty participants from all around the state took part in this event, including service providers, NGOs, churches, medical providers, law enforcement, analysts, and victims’ services. Participants were also given a chance to speak with prosecutors and law enforcement about the government response to human trafficking and what resources are available.
“Human trafficking takes place in every state across the United States, and the public is law enforcement’s most valuable partner in identifying cases and preventing this heinous crime,” said United States Attorney Sandra Hairston. “Our office is proud to host this event to educate members of both the community and law enforcement on the ways to recognize and prevent human trafficking, and we will continue to prosecute these cases to the fullest extent of the law.”
If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking, help is available. The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides free, confidential help, 24/7. Call: 1-888-373-7888; Text: HELP to 233733 (BEFREE); or Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org/chat. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.
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