Attorney General Alan Wilson and the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force launch TravelWatchSC in Partnership with Major Airports
January 8, 2024
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, announced the launch of TravelWatchSC during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. The awareness campaign begins today in three major airports: Columbia Metropolitan Airport, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, and Myrtle Beach International Airport.
“Human trafficking happens in our backyards. Most of the time, it’s not far off in exotic places, but in our local communities. Raising awareness is critical to fighting human trafficking. This partnership will reach thousands of travelers in South Carolina every day and help equip them with warning signs to look for to combat this horrific crime,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson.
The airports began running digital signs featuring the National Human Trafficking Hotline contact information. Each location will also share Hotline posters and stickers as well as educational brochures that include information about regional task forces. The State Task Force will continue to develop additional resources for each location throughout the year.
“We are thrilled to launch TravelWatchSC to increase awareness of human trafficking in South Carolina,” Kathryn Moorehead, Director of the Task Force said. “We are grateful to the three major airports for their help in providing critical information to those traveling into our state.”
The larger initiative will continue with a focus on partnering with others working within the transportation and tourism sectors. The goal is to increase traveler knowledge about the signs of human trafficking, how to report a suspected incident while in South Carolina, and how victims can access services. The State Task Force plans to expand the initiative to include bus stations, train stations, rest stops, hotels and motels, and with trucking companies and similar stakeholders.
The South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force will release its 2023 Annual Report on January 11th to coincide with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The report will be available that afternoon on 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.
