MARQUETTE, Mich, (WZMQ) – January is national Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and the fight against human trafficking in the UP is taking many different forms.
Michigan State Police Lieutenant Mark Giannunzio said the MSP Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division is partnering with commercial truck drivers to help protect our roadways.
“A lot of this is awareness for our new truck drivers, and our new commercial vehicle drivers,” said Giannunzio. “Our CVED officers, they go out, they educated some of the new drivers, they educate the current drivers on what to look for when it comes to human trafficking.”
The Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force (UPHTTF) is educating people on how to recognize signs of human trafficking in their own communities.
Some signs that someone could be a victim include not knowing their own address, being escorted when they travel, showing signs of physical abuse, showing signs of malnourishment or lack of healthcare, not being in control of their own money, have few personal possessions, exhibiting anxiety, fear, or depression, and lacking identification such as drivers license or passport.
UPHTTF President Stephanie Graef said human trafficking can happen anywhere.
“It’s happening right in front of our eyes,” said Graef. “It’s just having the skill set that’s sharpened to understand ok while I’m at the casino, or while I’m at the hotel, or even while I’m at the hokey game, what’s going on with this situation.”
But Graef said the most dangerous area for trafficking is online.
“The world has changed since the internet,” said Graef, “and we unfortunately have had sextortions happening where there have been some local children that have committed suicide because of these bad actors that are attacking our children.”
The MSP are also working with law enforcement and organizations from other states, Giannunzio said in all its forms, human trafficking is one of MSP’s top priorities.
“We have to make sure that the people are being held responsible,” said Giannunzio. “It’s a huge crime, and it’s a huge thing for our task forces to go after, to hold those people responsible and make sure it stops.”
The UPHTTF will be having sessions throughout this month to educate people in the community.
Click here for more information about the UPHTTF, and here for more information about the red flags of human trafficking in your community.
