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Libraries in Chester County step up to help fight sex trafficking – Daily Local

Public libraries throughout Chester County have begun an effort that officials hope may give assistance to the possible victims of human trafficking who patronize their facilities.

Earlier this month, the county's 17 local libraries and the two county libraries started posting flyers advertising details of the National Human Trafficking Hotline number in bathroom stalls. The information has been posted from the beginning of July – the month that includes World Day Against , July 30.

“The library is more than books and computers – it's a place for vital information on many subjects presented in many formats,” said Joe Sherwood, the executive director of the county library system. “Offering about human trafficking to inform the public and help prevent it from happening is important.”

Although state law requires that information about the National Human Trafficking Hotline be posted in transportation stations, rest areas, truck stops, and certain bars and hotels, publicizing the information is voluntary for other establishments. It was not done in libraries in the county until recently.

The hotline — 888-3737-888 or text 233733 (BeFree) — connects with law enforcement agencies in all areas of the United States. Those in trouble or who suspect a case of trafficking can call the hotline to report tips or suspected cases, ask questions and request resources. Calls can be anonymous or confidential.

The idea for posting the information via flyers came after a presentation made at the Henrietta Hankin Library in West Vincent this year by a human trafficking survivor, who told her story.

The woman had experienced homelessness as her trafficker held her through psychological and . She frequented public restrooms—at fast food restaurants, parks and even a hospital lobby—to bathe in the sink. It was there that other flyers with the hotline were posted.

At the end of the program, one of the librarians asked whether it would have been helpful if she had been in a library to see such signs in the bathrooms there with the number to call. “If I had a cell phone, then I think I would have,” she replied.

That led library officials to work with the Chester County Sheriff's Office, which had co-sponsored the presentation, to get the flyers posted in the restrooms.

“The best protection is prevention,” said Sheriff Fredda Maddox of the effort. “But as a community, the more informed we are about indicators for human trafficking and where to report tips, the better we can help individuals who need a way out.”

In 2015, the United States Advisory Council on Human Trafficking was established.

The U.S. initiated 228 federal human trafficking prosecutions in 2021, an increase from 210 in 2020 and 220 in 2019, but a decrease from 230 in 2018 and 282 in 2017, according to the U.S. State Department in an annual report on trafficked persons released to the public on Tuesday. During 2021, the Department of Justice secured the convictions of 203 traffickers, a decrease from 309 in 2020, 475 in 2019, and 526 in 2018. Of these, 190 involved predominantly and 13 involved predominantly labor trafficking.

“Advocates called for greater efforts to address demand for all forms of human trafficking. Advocates urged the government to ensure stakeholder engagement on demand reduction is trauma-informed, is survivor-informed, and prioritizes the inclusion of diverse experiences and voices,” the 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report stated.

To reach staff writer Jen Samuel send an e-mail to [email protected]

 

This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original location.

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PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.

 

EYES ON TRAFFICKING

This “Eyes on Trafficking” story is reprinted from its original online location.

ABOUT PBJ LEARNING

PBJ Learning is a leading provider of online human trafficking training, focusing on awareness and prevention education. Their interactive Human Trafficking Essentials online course is used worldwide to educate professionals and individuals how to recognize human trafficking and how to respond to potential victims. Learn on any web browser (even your mobile phone) at any time.

More stories like this can be found in your PBJ Learning Knowledge Vault.