SCAG Wilson: Nearly 15% increase in human trafficking victims reported last year

COLUMBIA, SC (WOLO)– South Carolina saw an almost 15% increase in the number of human trafficking victims reported in 2021. That’s according to South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson in the newly released Human Trafficking Task Force Report.

“We saw a nearly 15% increase in the number of victims reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline,” Attorney General Wilson said. “Additionally, we are seeing a steady increase in the number of children and youth who have been identified by DSS as victims.”

In an effort to prevent victims of human trafficking in the Palmetto State, the Attorney General’s Office is kicking off a prevention education initiative this year. It’ll offer year round opportunities for young people to be educated on the complex crime.

“As we seek additional resources to meet the needs of minor victims in our state, we must also try to protect those who have not yet been victimized,” Kathryn Moorehead, Coordinator of the State Task Force said. “The best approach is to educate young people through age appropriate, comprehensive lesson plans.”

If you need to report an incident, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

You can find the full Human Trafficking Task Force Report at www.scag.gov/human-trafficking.