Attorney General Alan Wilson releases South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force 2022 Annual Report
January 10, 2023
South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, Chair of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, released the 2022 Annual Report at the State House today. Task Force leadership joined him for the release, including local, state, and federal law enforcement. The annual report shares data that details the magnitude of human trafficking in South Carolina.
The top five counties for reported human trafficking cases include Greenville, Charleston, Richland, Horry, and Spartanburg. The data also shows there was a 458% increase in labor trafficking victims with a 44% increase in victims who identified as Latinx. Overall, there was a 128% increase in victims use of the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
“Today marks the end of the 10 year anniversary of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force. I’m incredibly proud of the work done by Task Force,” said Attorney General Alan Wilson. “Its efforts to educate and equip people in how to combat human trafficking are making South Carolina a safer place to live. The work is not finished, but our defenses against this horrendous crime are getting stronger every day, and we’re committed to the fight.”
Efforts to train multiple professional sectors continued throughout 2022. The emphasis was primarily focused on law enforcement, lawyers, and victim service providers. These efforts focused on the ability to identify a victim of human trafficking, thoroughly investigate cases, and provide trauma-informed, victim-centered care to survivors. Increasing awareness and education regarding labor trafficking continues to be a priority for the Task Force.
“Members of the State Task Force continue to bring awareness of human trafficking in communities across our state,” Kathryn Moorehead, Director of the Task Force, said. “In 2023, we will be rolling out new initiatives including increased labor trafficking awareness campaigns.”
Joining Attorney General Alan Wilson and Task Force leadership today were the First Lady of South Carolina, Peggy McMaster, SLED Chief Mark Keel, regional task force members, nonprofit leaders, and other anti-human trafficking advocates.
To access the annual report, 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.
