Richland County Council announce NEW Human Trafficking Coalition
January 14, 2015
COLUMBIA, SC – Nearly seventy-five supporters joined Richland County officials today to display their commitment in raising public awareness about human trafficking, particularly in women and children; and to emphasize that trafficking is a crime, with the intent to eliminate the demand for trafficked women and children.
Richland Council Members Jim Manning and Julie-Ann Dixon formed a coalition of community activists, law enforcement officers, legal experts, educators and human services providers to focus on developing a strategic plan of action that will bring community awareness to the criminal activity that has been referred to as modern day slavery. Manning and Dixon were inspired to lead this charge, along with this team of dedicated change agents, after attending Westwood High School’s National Globalize 13 project presentation, which is a service-learning curriculum designed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the 13th amendment while raising important questions about slavery found in our own communities.
“On May 20, 2014, the International Labor Organization reported that “forced labor around the world yields an estimated annual profit of $150 billion US dollars from the work of an estimated 21 million children, women and men.” The students and faculty at Westwood High School are dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking in the form of forced labor and sexual exploitation, stated Stacey Plotner, Westwood High School Teacher. “We will continue to globalize the spirit of the 13th amendment by using our power as consumers to support businesses that provide a sustainable wage for their workers and use no forms of forced labor. Further, we will continue to share our knowledge of human trafficking with the youth of our community to prevent them from becoming victims themselves.”
Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery whereby criminals profit by controlling and exploiting vulnerable people. Each year, traffickers coerce thousands of women, children and men into commercial sex or forced labor services.
“Most people are not aware that human trafficking is happening here in Richland County and is a danger and reality to the youth of our community. Through education and training, LightHouse For Life, a Christian non-profit organization is working with churches, community leaders and law enforcement to end human trafficking here in the Midlands,” stated Andera Wind, Lighthouse for Life Director.
Through these efforts, Richland County Government is proactively and aggressively taking steps to help the community understand 1) the impact their efforts can have on preventing a trafficking situation, and 2) who to contact should they encounter a suspicious issue. Richland County is also working with the United States Equal Employment Opportunity to help combat exploitative labor practices in supply chains.
Human trafficking is a thriving criminal industry, with traffickers making billions in profits by using force, fraud, or coercion to rob victims of their freedom. The International Labor Organization estimates there are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking worldwide.
“Human Trafficking is today’s method of slavery. No one should be subjected to this horror,” advised Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott. We have to be the voices for the victim and that voice should be loud and clear. We must fight Human Trafficking.”
Richland County Council has committed to intensifying collaborative efforts with governmental and non-governmental organizations to support comprehensive programs, including shelters, helplines for victims or potential victims of trafficking, effective counseling, training and social and economic reintegration into society of victims in Richland County in concert with the South Carolina State Plan to address Human Trafficking in our community.
“We have to be progressive and aggressive. Human Trafficking is happening right here in Richland County, not just across oceans or in other countries. Richland County can and will lead the way in our state, the southeast and the country in how we address and combat human trafficking at the local level,” stated Councilman Jim Manning.
For more information about human trafficking or how you can become a part of the change you want to see, please contact Councilman Jim Manning at [email protected] or (803) 787-2896.
