Sally Doty - Human Trafficking in Mississippi

Mississippi State Senator Sally Doty is outspoken about the issue of human trafficking, and works hard to put an end to this crime. In 2015, Governor Phil Bryant appointed her to the Human Trafficking Taskforce, and she has worked hard to tackle this statewide issue. Mississippi’s location, as well as poverty levels and other social issues, have made this state susceptible to human trafficking.

                                                            

Human trafficking is an issue on the coast of Mississippi as well as in the state’s capitol city of Jackson. Location is a major factor in human trafficking. Mississippi sits on the Gulf Coast, and the Port of Gulfport is a major hub for international trade between the Americas. The Gulf Coast is also a major tourist destination. These two factors make this area ideal for human traffickers. Jackson is also an ideal location for these criminals because it is the largest city in Mississippi and two major interstate highways run through the city. Locations such as these make transporting victims easy for human traffickers. 

A recent study and report released by the Beautiful Ones Ministries and Belhaven University showed that four counties in Jackson, Mississippi were a central hub for sex trafficking in southeastern United States. The study discovered that this was due to the state’s poverty levels, family structures, and educational gaps. Sandy Middleton, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Center for Violence Prevention reported that one married couple had sold their daughter to an out of state truck driver for $5,000.

Source:http://www.foxnews.com/us/2015/03/13/report-raises-alarms-over-child-sex-trafficking.html
 http://www.advocatesforfreedom.org/uploads/2/3/9/1/23914364/brochure.pdf

Sally Doty - How to Prevent Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a worldwide issue and Mississippi is doing its part to put an end to this terrible crime. Sally Doty, the Republican Senator of District 39 in Mississippi, is one of many lawmakers in the state fighting to put an end to this atrocious act. Ever since she was elected into office, Sally Doty has taken a stand against human trafficking and other forms of interpersonal violence. Mississippi is one of the many coastal locations that struggles with human trafficking, which makes it difficult to detect and stop these criminals. There are several ways you can help put an end to human trafficking.

Sally Doty

 The first step in preventing human trafficking is education. It is important for people worldwide to know the statistics of human trafficking. No matter what city or country you live in, you should make sure to educate yourself on human trafficking in your area. You should learn about which areas are more susceptible to human trafficking and what warning signs you should look for so you can call the appropriate authorities. It is also essential to teach children not to go anywhere with strangers, or share personal information such as phone numbers and home addresses. 

The second step in preventing human trafficking is awareness. If you live near an international airport or port, of if you are in an area that thrives on tourism, you should be aware of the warning signs of human trafficking. When you are out in public be aware of your surroundings and the people you see. If you ever see anything suspicious, you should immediately call local law enforcement.