Thursday, August 3, 2023
The movie Sound of Freedom has awakened many people about this situation and is one of the highest net income generating movies of all time. The movie is based on a true story and had to wait five years before making its way into theaters.
Lancaster County Sheriff Barry Faile joined us in order to give us a better understanding of the situation in Charlotte and the surrounding area. Sheriff Faile also invited Brian Collins, NRP from Lancaster County EMS to join us and be our guest speaker. Mr. Collins is the Field Training Coordinator for the County EMS and is specially trained in this area and has held training meetings for the public and first responders across the country.
SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE MEETING:
This situation does exist locally. Lancaster County is the first county in South Carolina to convict since our human trafficking law was passed in 2012, with additional amendments added in 2018. The case is the first jury trial conviction for human trafficking in South Carolina. The man from Lancaster County was sentenced to life for human trafficking on October 14, 2022. You can read more about this case by clicking here.
Human trafficking isn’t the problem – it’s a symptom of a problem. It’s a SUPPLY response to a DEMAND problem. Human trafficking is a horrible crime and the United States demand for victims of this crime makes the United States one of the largest markets, which keeps this crime alive and growing. For some perspective, the commercial sex industry in the brought in over $150 billion in illegal profits globally ($9.5 billion in the US alone), which is more than the NFL, NBA and MLB combined. Charlotte is one of the top areas of the country where human trafficking takes place due to it’s central proximity and easy interstate access to other major metropolitan areas.
The following are some common indicators of exploitation – children and adults:
* Average age 12-17
* 80% – 90% victims were abused as children
* 2/3 of victims are recruited by someone close to them
The biggest threat to school age kids doesn’t occur in public spaces like malls or sporting events, but on social media (Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, etc.). It also occurs on online games that are played with other remote players like Call of Duty. All of these platforms are used by traffickers to engage and groom potential victims. Traffickers also use other kids to groom victims via social media.
If you suspect something is wrong, do not intercede directly. This is a dangerous endeavor that could make the situation worse for you and the victim. Instead, report your concerns immediately to the authorities. Promote education, awareness and community involvement around you, especially with younger adults and children. Learn what to observe and report if you suspect something is amiss. Don’t just assume that things are ok.
South Carolina law says anyone who thinks a child, or person 65 years or older, or an adult with disabilities is being abused, neglected, or exploited must report it to DSS. The 2015 CPATA (Child Abuse Prevention Treatment Act) gives the option of treating young adults up to age 24 as victims of “child abuse and neglect” or “sexual abuse.”
A person who reports abuse in good faith is immune from civil or criminal liability. DSS keeps the name of person making the report confidential. On the other hand, anyone who does not report a suspected abuse can be held liable for a misdemeanor or felony.
In addition to law enforcement, there are also registered nurses who have received special training to provide comprehensive care to sexual assault victims and they are known as SANE (Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner) nurses. In addition, they are also qualified to conduct a forensic exam and will provide expert testimony, if needed.
REPORTING AND OTHER RESOURCES:
https://humantraffickinghotline.org (888-373-7888)
Reporting suspected abuse makes it possible for a family to get help.
Local Resources:
SC Task Force www.scag.gov/human-trafficking/
SC Office of Victim Assistance www.scvan.org/resources
Lighthouse for life www.lighthouseforlife.org
Formation Project www.theformationproject.org
Doors to freedom www.doorstofreedom.com
Nationwide Resources:
Blue Campaign – National campaign to educate about human trafficking (https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign)
Deliverfund www.deliverfund.org
Polaris Project www.polarisproject.org
Thorn www.thorn.org
Rahabs Daughters www.rahabsdaughters.org
A21 www.a21.org
TraffickCam App:
The purpose of TraffickCam is to create a database of hotel room images that an investigator can efficiently search in order to find other images that were taken in the same location as an image that is part of an investigation. You can easily download the app and upload pictures of hotel rooms that you stay at, which will help investigators with their database.
We would encourage anyone interested in this subject to see the movie for a better understanding of the overall situation. We are hoping to hold more such meetings and encourage you to call your local authorities to see if there are any such meetings planned in your area.
