Human trafficking has been an issue in Montgomery County, in Maryland, nationally and internationally. Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others (Polaris Project). There are generally two forms of trafficking: sex and labor. Victims of human trafficking include men, women, boys and girls. Your next door neighbor may be a victim OR perpetrator of human trafficking.
In 2014, County Executive Ike Leggett created the Montgomery County Human Trafficking Task Force. The purpose of the task force is to increase understanding of the issue in Montgomery County and to develop interagency coordination of strategies for response and prevention. Overarching goals include:
Increasing the identification and prosecution of all parties supporting the organized crime of human trafficking to include traffickers, suppliers, transporters, advertisers and demand elements;
Elimination of human trafficking, and Improving identification of and services for human trafficking victims. Need Help or See Something Suspicious?
- Call Human Trafficking at 888-373-7888.
- Want to help? email the Human Trafficking Task Force.
