The number of human trafficking cases in Florida has seen an increase of more than 50 percent since the previous year, officials say. The Department of Children and Families (DCF) claims to have received 1,892 reports of human trafficking in the city, reflecting a 54 percent increase in 2016.
The increase in human trafficking reported allegations is largely a result of increased training of law enforcement officers and the development of a new screening tool between the DCF, the Florida Department of Juvenile Justice and the attorney general.
Likewise, Statewide Council on Human Trafficking also conducted specialized training for first responders and other professionals from child welfare organizations to help detects the signs of human trafficking.
The law enforcement authorities of Florida seem to be serious in taking accounts of the human trafficking cases happening the state. During the Human Trafficking Awareness Month which falls on January, Florida Attorney General, Pam Bondi announced the state's efforts in spreading awareness of the modern-day form of slavery and challenged the residents and travelers to help combat the epidemic.
Attorney General Bondi is soon launching a website at YouCanStopHT.com to encourage people of learning to identify the signs of human trafficking. Digital signs will also be displayed in Tampa International Airport encouraging travelers to visit the new site for tools on identifying human trafficking and reporting any events of suspicious activities.
Human trafficking is a form of slavery that commercializes on sex trafficking and labor trafficking. According to the International Labor Organization, more than 20 million victims are being trafficked worldwide, earning up to $150 billion a year in the global human trafficking industry.
DCF classifies human trafficking into three primary categories: sexual exploitation by a non-guardian, including escort services and adult entertainment clubs; sexual exploitation by a parent, guardian or caregiver; and labor trafficking.
