A Pennsylvania House of Representatives resolution sponsored by Rep. Tom Murt recognizing National Human Traffic Awareness Day in Pennsylvania passed the House unanimously.
“Human trafficking enslaves thousands of women and children throughout the United States, many right here in Pennsylvania,” Murt said. “It is critical that we raise this issue again this year in order that we might continue making advances against this evil that is destroying lives.”
House Resolution 3 calls on the legislature to raise awareness of human trafficking and its consequences.
Every year in the United States, 100,000 children are involved in prostitution.
Human trafficking includes early or forced marriage, commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, labor obtained through debt bondage, involuntary servitude and slavery.
“Public awareness is critical in addressing this crime because the way these traffickers succeed is by keeping their victims silent,” Murt said. “It is up to us to shine a light on this. Although there are laws to prosecute perpetrators of human trafficking, and to assist and protect victims of human trafficking, awareness of the issues surrounding human trafficking by those most likely to come into contact with victims is essential for effective enforcement.”
If you suspect there is someone being forced into human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1–888–373–7888.
