Wilkes-Barre, PA — In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, today the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) hosted a roundtable discussion with state leaders, local officials, victim advocates, and survivors to discuss how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and strengthen collaborative efforts in the fight against exploitation.
“Many people believe, ‘human trafficking could never happen to me,’ but the reality is that it can affect anyone, anywhere,” said Kathy Buckley, Director of the Office of Victims’ Services at PCCD. “Survivors’ voices are critical in shaping how we address this issue, and it requires a united effort. That’s why we’re here in Luzerne County—to hear from those impacted and learn about the collaborative approach of the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking, which is uniting law enforcement, victim service providers, prosecution, and community organizations to strengthen support for survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.”
The roundtable discussion, held at the Victims Resource Center, highlighted regional challenges and successes in addressing human trafficking while fostering the exchange of best practices and innovative strategies. Survivors and advocacy groups were central to the conversation, sharing personal experiences and underscoring the importance of survivor-centered approaches in policymaking and program development.
As a survivor of sexual exploitation, I think it’s so important to share my experience with the public to educate and inform those who are not aware of what trafficking looks like today. There are many misconceptions about trafficking, and I believe it’s crucial to have survivors involved in discussions like the one we had today to provide insight and commentary on real-life experiences,” said Anastasia Joy, survivor and advocate. “I’ve been sharing my story for the last four years, though my exploitation happened a little over a decade ago. It still impacts me today, but I decided to use my experience for something good, to take something as evil and cruel as trafficking and create something powerful from it. It has truly helped me blossom as a woman, mother, and advocate, being the voice for those who don’t have the strength to share their experience. Trafficking happens every single day, and there’s no specific target for who gets trafficked. Traffickers don’t see color, gender, or age; they see vulnerability and opportunities. They’ll go after anyone they think will be easy to exploit and profit from. That’s why I think it’s so important to be the voice, educate, and raise awareness to better protect our children and youth from these heinous crimes. That’s what I strive to do: give hope to those who don’t have it, show them it’s possible to get out and live a successful life, and help protect those who have never been trafficked by teaching them what signs to look out for.”
The NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking is a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort to establish and incorporate best practices to identify and serve victims and at-risk populations, investigate and prosecute perpetrators, increase overall awareness of exploitation and human trafficking, and assist survivors in achieving restoration and justice through member agencies and organizations.
“Traffickers thrive when systems do not work together. The most important work of the NEPA Task Force is collaboration,” said Suzanne Beck, Co-chair of the NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking and Chief Executive Officer of the Victim Resource Center. “Responses to human trafficking are most effective and efficient when they are multidisciplinary and collaborative in their problem solving.”
The Shapiro-Davis Administration is committed to supporting all victims and survivors of crime. This commitment is evident in last year’s state investment in Pennsylvania’s Victims Compensation Assistance Program, administered by PCCD, and ongoing efforts with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) through the statewide human trafficking workgroup, which focuses on coordinating resources and addressing service gaps for victims of human trafficking.
“Wherever there is transportation, there is the potential for trafficking,” said Deputy Secretary of Driver Vehicle Services at PennDOT Kara Templeton. “PennDOT plays a unique role in the battle against trafficking, and the first step is hearing directly from those affected.”
PCCD also administers several federal and state grants that support state and local organizations to engage in anti-human trafficking projects and is partnering with the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova University for a new state-wide project to create a one-stop-shop for coordination of information, training, and technical assistance for local entities working to end exploitation.
“I encourage anyone who has been victimized— please reach out for help,” Buckley said. “There are local programs that can help you with finding support and resources including therapy, counseling, and much more. You deserve support and there are people and organizations who are ready and willing to stand by your side.”
Although trafficking can affect anyone, evidence shows that people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately impacted. Factors such as generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination, and societal inequities contribute to vulnerabilities within these communities. People may be at higher risk of trafficking if they:
- Have an unstable living situation;
- Have experienced other forms of violence, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence;
- Have run away or are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system;
- Are undocumented immigrants;
- Are experiencing poverty or economic hardship;
- Have a caregiver or family member with substance use issues; or
- Struggle with drug or alcohol addiction.
For more information about human trafficking resources or to report a suspected case, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
