Maine

The largest of the New England states in area, Maine, in 1820, was the 23rd state to join the Union. Its name comes from an ancient French province of the same name. The most sparsely populated state east of the Mississippi River, it’s appropriately called the “Pine Tree State,” as 90 percent of its land is forest. Not surprisingly, most of Maine’s economy is related to timber and the production of paper and paper products although the millions of tourists who flock each summer to “Vacationland” are a significant source of revenue. The capital is Augusta; the state flower is the white pine cone and tassel.

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects people all around the world, including in Maine. It is a form of modern slavery in which individuals are exploited for labor, sexual exploitation, or other purposes.

According to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Maine has consistently had relatively low numbers of human trafficking cases reported compared to other states in the United States. In 2020, the state ranked 46th in the country for the number of cases reported to the hotline, with a total of 14 cases.

Human trafficking can take many forms in Maine, including forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. It often affects vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, children, and people who are homeless or in poverty.

If you suspect that someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, there are steps you can take to help. You can report the situation to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by text at 233733. You can also contact local law enforcement or a trusted organization that provides services to victims of human trafficking. It is important to remember that the safety of the victim should be the top priority and to handle the situation with care and sensitivity.