January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and today Attorney General Ashley Moody is raising awareness to fight human trafficking. Attorney General Moody encourages all Floridians to take an active role to help combat this modern-day slavery.
Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Human trafficking is a plague that we cannot give up on combating in our state and nationwide. It is appalling anyone would engage in acts that take away people’s basic human rights. As your Attorney General and Chair of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, I will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to continue the fight to end human trafficking.”
Human trafficking is a form of slavery that encompasses trading humans for commercial sex trafficking, exposure and forced labor. According to the International Labor Organization, for every 1,000 people in the world, more than five victims endure modern slavery. As of June 30, 2018, Florida ranked third highest in the number of human trafficking calls through the National Human Trafficking Hotline for the year.
Attorney General Moody asks Floridians to take an active role in this fight by spotting possible human trafficking signs, including:
· Physical injuries, such as burns, dental issues, disorientation, scars, tattoos, etc.;
· Individuals displaying fear, anxiousness, paranoia or that are reluctant to discuss injuries;
· Speaking as if coached and allowing someone else to speak; and
· Suffering from drug addiction, infections or sleep deprivation.
If anyone suspects or witnesses an occurrence of human trafficking, please contact local law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888) 373-7888.
