United States Attorney’s Office Hosts Second Annual Human Trafficking Simulation for Human Trafficking Awareness Month

GREENSBORO – United States Attorney Sandra J. Hairston announced that the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of North Carolina (USAO-MDNC), in partnership with The Human Trafficking Resource Center and the Lexington Police Department, hosted a simulation for community members, law enforcement, and service organizations to learn about the warning signs of human trafficking and provide resources for victims.

Each year, the Department of Justice recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness month in January in an effort to better educate the public about the signs of human trafficking and bring awareness to the victims. This year, the USAO-MDNC hosted its second annual human trafficking simulation to allow law enforcement and service providers a chance to learn more about what it is like to be a victim of human trafficking in order to better serve victims and their families. Despite the forecast winter storm, approximately 35 participants from all around the state took part in this event, including service providers, NGOs, churches, medical providers, law enforcement, analysts, and victims’ services. Participants were also given a chance to speak with prosecutors and law enforcement about the government response to human trafficking and what resources are available.

“The exploitation of human beings for profit and has no place in any society. Whether it’s forced labor, domestic servitude, or sex trafficking of children or adults, human trafficking is happening every day in every state, stripping victims of their dignity and forcing them into a life of fear and servitude,” said United States Attorney Hairston. “The public is law enforcement’s most valuable partner in identifying cases and preventing this heinous crime, and we are proud to host this event to educate members of both the community and law enforcement on the ways to recognize and prevent human trafficking.”

If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking, help is available. The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides free, confidential help, 24/7. Call: 1-888-373-7888; Text: HELP to 233733 (BEFREE); or Chat: humantraffickinghotline.org/chat. If you are experiencing an emergency, please call 911.

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