Florida is a hub for human trafficking, or moving people against their will to be slaves or sex workers. The Florida State Attorney’s Office, law enforcement officers from across the state and Georgia, and several nonprofit groups are meeting this weekend in Tallahassee to learn how to identify victims and fight against traffickers.
The Salvation Army Corp of Tallahassee is sponsoring the seminar because, the group’s Julie Smith says, more than 24,000 people in the U.S. are here against their will. Many of them come through Miami and end up all over Florida, she says.
“The major problem here is what’s called indentured slavery," Smith says. "And that’s where people have other people in their households that are doing domestic-type work, that have been purchased.”
The seminar will also focus on sexual trafficking, with a presentation by Alesia Adams, who helped open the Angela’s House shelter, in Atlanta, for victims of child prostitution. Those wishing to attend the Saturday event must register in advance with the Salvation Army by calling (850) 222-0304 and talking to Julie Smith.