AU Engage series hosts Human Trafficking panel discussion
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF) – Human trafficking has increased throughout the country, primarily involving children. Local leaders, law enforcement and college staff are taking action at Augusta University through their “AU Engage” series.
We learned that right here in Richmond County, many children are victims of trafficking for multiple reasons. Experts say 24-7 access to social media and the gang problem here in Augusta are two major factors.
“Somebody following my sister and me the entire time we walked around the mall, it’s a– it’s a mall, like my sister was four years old, and that was just before social media was big…”
It’s a topic that lurks in the shadows…human trafficking. Experts say it needs to be talked about more.
“It’s not easy to talk about, especially with human sex trafficking where we’re talking about children, possibly, who are victims of coercion and force and deception, and it’s so hard for them to take a stance and get out because they’re essentially voiceless at that point…,” Associate Professor with the Department of Social Sciences Melissa Bemiller said.
Those experts say 100 children every day are trafficked across the country. And they say paying attention could save lives.
“Awareness is the key to any prevention and one of the most important things that we need to do is bring awareness and bring education to the issues we’re seeing in our communities, specifically Richmond County, related to child sex trafficking,” Child Enrichment, Executive Director Cari Viola-Brooke said.
Authorities say it happens in Richmond County more than any other county in Georgia.
“Anyone, anyone can be trafficked, anyone can be a trafficker. So, that’s why this is so important for people to understand, you’re not looking for some guy in a white panel van, you’re looking for a family member– which most traffickers are family or friends,” Child Crimes Investigator, Richmond County Sheriff’s Office’s Terry Gordon said.
Child Enrichment Executive Director, Cari Viola-Brook says getting justice for those victims starts within the community.
“A lot of issues with kids being trafficked that are involved in gangs. So, it starts with our schools, it starts with our parents of having a pulse on those kids of what they’re doing and making sure that they’re not getting involved in things that are unsafe…”
If you suspect someone you know may be a trafficking victim, there are resources available to you, including Child Enrichment and the Sheriff’s Office.
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