Helping to Identify and Stop Human Trafficking in Maryland
The Montgomery County Council has proclaimed January “Human Trafficking Prevention Month.” The announcement comes in recognition of the devastating effects and long-term impacts that trafficking has on its victims throughout the state and across the country.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, we are proud of the work Montgomery County is doing to highlight these widespread atrocities. For decades, we have provided dedicated representation for human trafficking victims and those affected by sexual abuse or exploitation. Awareness, resources, and prevention strategies are critical to stopping these crimes.
If you or a loved one has been forced to engage in a commercial sex act or labor trafficking, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 for a free, confidential consultation.
Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention
According to a press release issued by Montgomery County, the month of January is proclaimed “Human Trafficking Prevention Month.” County Executive Marc Elrich and the Montgomery County Council made the announcement on January 11, 2022, to bring awareness to the issue, educate the public, and help victims get the help they need.
The proclamation is an essential step in combatting the horrific reality of human trafficking. As noted in the release, “trafficking often involves the use of force, fraud or coercion” and is perpetrated against men, women, and children.
Anti-Trafficking Programs and Resources
As part of the awareness campaign, Montgomery County will be hosting two free virtual programs. The first, Critical Updates: Fight Against Human Trafficking – Federal & International, will take place on January 20, 2022. Dr. Kari Johnstone, Acting Director of the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, will deliver the keynote address. The program will discuss anti-trafficking efforts in the U.S. and abroad.
The Montgomery County Human Trafficking Prevention Committee has partnered with several other agencies to provide a second online presentation, “Know Your Rights: Tools for 2022,” which will be presented via Zoom (Meeting ID: 839 1163 5943 Passcode: 375685) beginning at 5:00 pm on January 25. No registration is required.
Getting the Help You Need
Labor and sex trafficking are prevalent in Montgomery County and throughout Maryland. Despite the large numbers, trafficking victims have little recourse through the criminal courts to obtain restitution for the trauma that they experienced.
At Schlachman, Belsky, Weiner, & Davey, P.A., we believe that trafficking victims deserve an advocate who will fight for them to obtain the resources they need to fully recover. We help human trafficking victims and victims of sexual assault or abuse get justice through civil litigation. A civil lawsuit can help to hold a perpetrator or liable third party responsible for these wrongful acts and prevent them from occurring in the future.
Get a Free, Confidential Consultation
If you have suffered abuse or exploitation at the hands of another, contact our office at (410) 685-2022 for a free, confidential consultation. We know that it may be challenging to come forward, but we are here to help.
Our legal team is well-versed in handling even the toughest cases and will provide you with the compassionate, ethical representation you deserve. Nobody should have to suffer the pain of trafficking or abuse. Call today to help hold those responsible accountable for their wrongdoing.