In one of her first actions as Florida’s new Attorney General, Ashley Moody called on Floridians to take an active role in combating human trafficking, or what she described as “modern day slavery.”
“Human trafficking is a plague that we cannot give up on combating in our state and nationwide,” Moody said in a news release highlighting that January is human trafficking prevention month.
Human trafficking encompasses trading humans for commercial sex trafficking, exposure and forced labor, according to the release.
In fact, Florida ranks third highest in the number of human trafficking calls through the National Human Trafficking Hotline for the year, based on data as of June 30, 2018.
“It is appalling anyone would engage in acts that take away people’s basic human rights,” Moody said. “As your Attorney General and Chair of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking, I will continue to work with federal, state and local partners to continue the fight to end human trafficking.”
Moody called on Floridians to spot human trafficking signs, including physical injuries, such as burns and scars, and people who display fear or are reluctant to discuss injuries; speak as if coached and suffer from drug addictions, infections or sleep deprivation.
To report such issues, contact local law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888) 373-7888.
