SC Human Trafficking Task Force partners with Safe House Project to help ensure the safety of victims

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson who is also the chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force announced the launch of a statewide certification program for service providers working with human trafficking victims.

The Attorney General’s Office says the new program is in partnership with Safe House Project, a national non-profit providing certification, survivor support, and safe housing options for those that have been trafficked.

“South Carolina’s efforts to better protect human trafficking victims began with the 2019 launch of a Victim Service Provider Certification for Human Trafficking Professionals, the first of its kind in the nation. The State will now require Safe House certification for residential and community-based programs, another first in the nation,” said AG Wilson.

Officials said, eight non-profits will be invited for the first cycle of the process.

The State Task Force will include those who receive certification in its online resource directory.

Certified programs will also be included in the National Human Trafficking Hotline victim services referral list.

Kristi Wells, CEO of Safe House Project, said, “South Carolina will become the first state to require Safe House Certification for both residential and community-based services supporting survivors of trafficking.”

For more information about anti-human trafficking efforts in South Carolina, please visit the State Task Force website at humantrafficking.scag.gov.

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.