City of Columbia highlights National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

As January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the City of Columbia Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement urges our community to raise awareness, stay vigilant, and support survivors of human trafficking. In South Carolina, human trafficking is defined as the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex acts. It occurs when an individual is subjected to such exploitation, which can include recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for exploitation. The Department of Homeland Security lists common signs include individuals appearing fearful or submissive; lack of control over their own identification, schedule, or living conditions; signs of physical abuse; being controlled by another adult; or engaging in sex work under unusual or coercive conditions.

While statistics and data are scarce for human trafficking at both the national and state level, due in large part to the underground nature of the crime, the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force releases an annual report. According to 2024 data released by the SC Attorney General’s Office, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated 285 trafficking tips statewide, nearly 400 potential victims, many minors. The National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH) also reported dozens of incidents from South Carolina with hundreds of likely victims. The National Human Trafficking Hotline website has valuable information on local services, reporting, as well as tips on staying safe. You can also send a text or instant chat message, and there is a teletypewriter (TTY: 711) number for those who need accessibility features.

National resources also include the Hotline and the Department of Homeland Security’s Blue Campaign, whose “Indicator Card” helps community members learn signs and report suspicions. For resources in South Carolina, the Attorney General’s Office coordinates the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, which directs victim services, shelters, legal aid, and prevention programs across 40 counties. We encourage residents to stay alert, trust your instincts, and report suspicious behavior. If you see signs of trafficking such as someone appearing controlled, fearful, isolated, or forced into labor or commercial sex you can help prevent exploitation.

To report an incident, seek support, or for referrals to local services from trained professionals call the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The Hotline is confidential and open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Let’s all join together this January to prevent human trafficking in Columbia.

Immediate Help & Reporting

If you believe a person is in danger or being trafficked:

• Call 911 if life is at risk
• Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733 (BeFree) or visit their website at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en

Para reportar un posible caso de trata de personas llame al 1-866-347-2423. Obtenga ayuda de la Línea Nacional de Atención contra la Trata de Personas llamando 1-888-373-7888 o enviando un mensaje de texto con HELP o INFO a BeFree (233733).

• You may also call the national DHS/HSI tip line at 1-866-347-2423 or visit their website at https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign
• View data and statistics on human trafficking in South Carolina at https://www.scag.gov/human-trafficking/data-reports