Human trafficking, a contemporary manifestation of slavery, impacts millions globally. This heinous practice employs force, deception, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex.
Delaware, as reported by the National Human Trafficking Hotline, has documented 85 cases of human trafficking since 2012, with 16 cases reported in 2020 alone. Nevertheless, these figures might not capture the full scope of the issue, given that numerous victims remain concealed and unaccounted for.
Wilmington Has the Human Trafficking Rates in Delaware
Wilmington, the largest and most populous city in Delaware, is identified as a high-risk area for human trafficking. Situated near major highways like I-95 and I-495, which connect it to cities such as Philadelphia, Baltimore, and New York, Wilmington becomes a hotspot for traffickers to exploit the ease of moving victims across state lines.
Compounding the issue, Wilmington harbors a significant population of vulnerable groups, including homeless youth, runaway children, immigrants, and low-income families, making them potential targets for exploitation by traffickers.
In response to this concerning scenario, various stakeholders in Wilmington have initiated efforts to combat human trafficking and support its victims.
For instance, the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) conducted a study in 2020 to assess the extent of human trafficking in Delaware, identifying gaps and challenges in addressing the problem.
According to the study, there were 507 known victims of human trafficking in Delaware in 2019, with 86% being female, 64% adults, and 96% trafficked for sexual exploitation.
The study recommended several actions, including increasing public awareness, improving data collection, enhancing service delivery, and fostering collaboration among agencies.
Officials’s Efforts to Reduce Human Trafficking in Delaware
An illustration of this is the Delaware Human Trafficking Interagency Coordinating Council (HTICC), established in 2014 to align the state’s endeavors in preventing and prosecuting human trafficking while safeguarding and supporting its victims.
The HTICC comprises representatives from various sectors, including law enforcement, justice, health, education, and social services. It has formulated a strategic plan, a training curriculum, a resource directory, and a website to bolster the state’s capabilities in combating human trafficking.
Furthermore, various non-governmental organizations and community groups in Wilmington and Delaware have been actively involved in raising awareness, offering services, and advocating for policy changes related to human trafficking.
For instance, the YWCA of Delaware operates Project New Start, a program providing case management, counseling, legal assistance, and referrals to survivors of human trafficking. The program also engages in outreach and educational activities to inform the public and professionals about the signs and indicators of human trafficking.
Another notable example is the Delaware Coalition Against Human Trafficking (DECAHT), a network of individuals and organizations collaborating to end human trafficking in Delaware. DECAHT organizes events, campaigns, and training sessions to educate and mobilize the community to combat human trafficking actively.
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Conclusion
Human trafficking poses a significant and intricate challenge impacting numerous individuals in Wilmington and Delaware. Addressing this issue demands a thorough and cooperative strategy involving various stakeholders and sectors.
Through initiatives such as raising awareness, offering services, and championing policy reforms, both the city of Wilmington and the state of Delaware are actively working to combat this modern form of slavery and safeguard the rights and dignity of those affected.