Augusta experts share important warning signs of human trafficking

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Georgia ranks sixth in the nation for sex trafficking, and local experts say Richmond County sees more child sex trafficking than anywhere else in the state.

For a problem that is growing not only in Georgia but nationwide, experts say there’s a huge misconception surrounding human trafficking.

“I think our generation got introduced to the topic of human trafficking through movies like Taken or Sound of Freedom. But the reality is that’s not what trafficking looks like in our community. It’s not what it looks like in most communities,” said District Attorney Jared Williams.

On Tuesday, experts who deal directly with sex crimes and trafficking in the Augusta community explained to students at Augusta University that trafficking looks like comfort and trust.

Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Investigator Terry Gore said: “You always think of the man in the white panel van with puppies on the side. No. Traffickers are family or friends.”

Williams said: “It’s often familial, meaning that there’s a family member who’s involved in exploiting their loved one or it’s gang-related. We see a lot of that.”

And there is no safe age.

“The youngest victim that I have right now is 4 days old. My youngest person that’s been sending out nudes is 6. These people got a hold of her at 6 years old to send them out,” said Gore.

The way to reduce the numbers is to first know the signs.

GBI Agent Anita Ivy said: “In school, you’ll notice a lot of absences, change in behavior, and appearance, dressing provocatively and carrying two cell phones.”

The best way to combat it is by supporting resources in the community.

Williams said: “We have a lot of great organizations like Child Enrichment, who are doing a lot. We have the Sexual Assault Resource Center, they’re doing a lot to help. But we need more funding for those organizations and we need better access to care and treatment after the fact.”

Leaders say to talk to your kids about what is going on in their lives and check their cell phones and the apps they are on.

Be aware of the time they are on the devices.

Also in the news

• On Wednesday, Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp and first lady Marty Kemp will be joined by state and local leaders at a ceremony to sign bills fighting human trafficking. At 10 a.m. at the state Capitol in Atlanta, the governor will deliver remarks prior to signing Senate Bill 370, House Bill 993 and House Bill 1201.

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