Daily Briefs

Whitmer proclaims January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month


Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaimed January 2021 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Michigan and released a video urging people to educate themselves on how they can help prevent human trafficking.

“Human trafficking happens to children, women and men every day in our country and around the world,” said Whitmer. “If you see something, speak up and contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Your call could save a life.”

In 2019 alone there were 22,326 victims and survivors of human trafficking. Organizations across the state are working daily to enhance awareness and increase prevention efforts.

The Michigan Human Trafficking Commission works in collaboration with agencies, organizations, and individuals across the state to address issues arising from human trafficking. The work of the commission works to coordinate and integrates a multi-faceted, statewide solution that includes health care providers, social workers, child advocacy groups, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, legislators, and the judiciary system.

The Commission is made up of 14 members appointed by the governor and works to address human trafficking in Michigan by reviewing existing laws and proposing changes, raising public awareness of the issue, providing information and training to officials and other tasks. More information about the Commission can be found at the attorney general’s website, MI.gov/humantrafficking.

 

Department of AG updates Human Trafficking Website
 

With National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month underway and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Attorney General Dana Nessel today announced a substantial update to her office’s human trafficking webpage available online.

The update includes important resources and information for the general public, law enforcement and survivors of human trafficking, in addition to detailing the Michigan Department of Attorney General's effort to prosecute human traffickers. 

The Michigan law banning human trafficking took effect in 2006, and the department has successfully prosecuted several cases in the years following. Attorney General Nessel’s office continues to prosecute an ongoing case involving a Pontiac man who stands accused of operating a sex trafficking ring in Oakland County.

Visitors to the website can sign up to receive email updates to stay informed on the Commission’s work and learn more about how to identify and report suspected human trafficking.

The new website also offers background information on Michigan’s human trafficking laws and links to a variety of other human trafficking resources. 



––––––––––––––––––––

Subscribe to the Legal News!

http://legalnews.com/subscriptions

Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more

Day Pass Only $4.95!

One-County $80/year

Three-County & Full Pass also available

––––––––––––––––––––
Subscribe to the Legal News!
http://www.legalnews.com/Home/Subscription
Full access to public notices, articles, columns, archives, statistics, calendar and more
Day Pass Only $4.95!
One-County $80/year
Three-County & Full Pass also available