Community leaders and advocates come together to raise awareness about human trafficking.
Myrtle Beach is facing a disturbing increase in human trafficking cases, with reports indicating a rise of 20 to 25 clients seeking help in the past quarter. The recent Human Trafficking Awareness Conference brought together community leaders and advocates to address the crisis. Engaging Minds Services highlighted that labor trafficking is now almost as prevalent as sex trafficking in the area, stressing the need for awareness and reporting measures to combat this growing issue.
Myrtle Beach is witnessing a troubling rise in human trafficking cases, as highlighted during a recent three-day Human Trafficking Awareness Conference hosted by Engaging Minds Services. This local nonprofit has become a beacon of hope in the Horry-Georgetown area, working tirelessly to combat this pressing issue. The conference brought together community leaders, law enforcement, and advocates, all united under this year’s theme: “Shining a light: United against trafficking.”
Engaging Minds Services reported a concerning increase of 20 to 25 clients seeking help with human trafficking issues in just the last quarter of 2024. This spike suggests not only that the problem is worsening but also that more victims are starting to reach out for support. Christina Simmons, Community Coordinator and Victim Advocate with the nonprofit, revealed that labor trafficking is becoming almost as prevalent as sex trafficking in the Myrtle Beach area, a fact that many may find shocking.
According to statistics shared at the conference, Horry County reported 22 human trafficking cases last year. It’s crucial to note that this number only accounts for what was officially reported and does not include the total number of individuals served by the nonprofit. Since its inception in 2018, Engaging Minds Services has provided assistance to an impressive 164 survivors of human trafficking. The scale of this crisis is evident, as the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) has reported that Greenville County has the highest number of trafficking incidents in the state, followed closely by Horry County.
During the conference, participants were encouraged to use the Coastal Regional Human Trafficking Task Force app to report any suspicious activity they might encounter. This user-friendly app facilitates real-time reporting and support, making it easier for residents to help combat this crime.
Various experts participated, including representatives from Homeland Security, the local Coastal Region Human Trafficking Task Force, and groups like Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners. The opening speaker from the South Carolina attorney general’s office set the tone, spreading crucial awareness about the ongoing crisis.
Statistics reveal a troubling trend—across South Carolina, 285 tips related to human trafficking were reported across 40 counties. These calls for help predominantly involved sex trafficking and primarily young victims. Indeed, SLED discovered that a staggering 392 victims were identified, nearly all of whom were adolescents, children, and women. This paints a grim picture of what many individuals are facing today.
In a bid to further combat this issue, the state attorney general recently announced a budget of $6.5 million dedicated to developing residential programs for underage trafficking victims. These initiatives are set to launch in 2025, offering hope for a brighter future for many vulnerable individuals.
The Coastal Regional Human Trafficking Task Force is passionately working to raise awareness and improve community responses to human trafficking. Everyone has a role to play in the fight against this terrible crime. Engaging Minds Services champions the belief that by coming together and utilizing available resources, communities can make a significant impact in the battle against human trafficking.
It’s imperative for every member of the community to stay informed, vigilant, and ready to act. Together, we can help shine a light on this crisis and create a safer environment for all.
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