Human Trafficking Task Force scheduled to begin its work

Rep. Allen Andrews

During the 2015 legislative session, the Missouri House gave unanimous, bipartisan approval to legislation that establishes the Human Trafficking Task Force in an effort to combat what is a rapidly-growing criminal industry.

Just a few days ago, membership of the task force was appointed by leadership in the House and Senate and members are now gearing up to begin their work. Over the past session, I heard countless testimonies from mothers, fathers, brothers, and sisters right here in Missouri who had either been personally victimized by this crime or were currently searching for loved ones trapped in human trafficking rings.

Worldwide, the human trafficking industry generates $150 billion in annual profits, which are made on the back of an estimated 21 million victims, including 5.5 million children.

The task force was created to ensure that Missouri is at the forefront of the war on human trafficking by organizing and augmenting Missouri’s efforts to prevent heinous trafficking crimes from occurring within the state’s borders.

Specifically, the task force is charged with raising awareness of the human trafficking problem in Missouri and providing a central place to share information for the organizations and agencies that enforce human trafficking laws and assist victims. The task force is responsible for reporting a summary of its activities and making any recommendations for legislation to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2017.

On behalf of thousands of victims and their families, I urge you to stop and take a moment to study the faces on “Lost or Abducted” posters found in businesses, truck stops, and media outlets.

Hopefully, more awareness will help find these victims and bring a stop to this criminal activity.

If you, or someone you, know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888.