Human trafficking is often called, a form of modern slavery.
Victims are often young adults and children, selling access to their bodies to an almost never-ending supply of buyers.
Transactions are conducted on the streets or online.
Human trafficking is everywhere.
In a Zoom presentation a coalition of state officials, law enforcement, experts, and survivors, unveiled a new set of guidelines aimed at helping victims and targeting traffickers.
[ Fighting back against human trafficking in Massachusetts ]
“It’s our job and our collective responsibility to make sure that we are doing to obviously drive a huge stake through this industry that unfortunately is not only here in the Commonwealth, but is a global challenge,” said Lt Governor Karyn Polito.
“If people didn’t sell people, people wouldn’t buy people,” said Audrey Morrissey, a survivor of ‘The Life.”
Today, she works at My Life My Choice, a Boston organization, dedicated to ending human trafficking and helping victims.
She believes the new guidelines will help police better understand the challenges each victim faces.
“If (victims) feel comfortable with law enforcement, then the more information they are going to give you. And the more that they will cooperate in convictions. Because that’s what we want to happen,” Morrissey added.
Prosecution of sex buyers and traffickers is an important part of the new guidelines, but so is helping law enforcement find help for victims.
“I think as we continue down this road, we’re going to be able to help ourselves investigate, prosecute individuals who are hurting our kids. And at the same time, getting the services they all need so that we can stop these cycles,” Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz said.
It is hoped the new guidelines will become pathways for people who right now, need help, finding a way out.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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