Tuesday headlines: Sex and labor trafficking in S.C. on the rise, report says

The state's Human Trafficking Task Force on Monday released its 2022 report that revealed an increase in the exploitation and trafficking of labor workers and children identified in sex trafficking cases.

Charleston County was ranked No. 2 in the reports, according to S.C. Attorney General Alan Wilson. He clarified that this does not mean the county has the second highest number of actual human trafficking cases, but the second highest number of reports.

“I believe the metrics indicate awareness more than activity,” he said. “That doesn't mean there's not activity going on in another surrounding county, it just means that more people are aware.”

Local organizations such as The Formation Project and I Am Voices say despite the rising number of reports, this type of crime is still underreported and more cases could be happening under the radar. Reporting is the best way to increase awareness, according to the organizations' leaders.

To report an incident or seek victim services, you can contact local law enforcement or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

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