Great Lakes Wire

In observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is drawing attention to the indicators of human trafficking and reminding the public about available resources for victims and those who suspect trafficking in their communities.

"In Michigan and throughout the country, men, women, and children are forced into human trafficking in a form of modern-day slavery," stated Nessel. "My Department has led efforts to combat these horrific crimes by pursuing justice for both sex and labor trafficking victims. To help in the fight to end human trafficking, I encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the signs and how to respond if they believe they have identified a victim."

Human trafficking manifests in various forms such as forced labor and sexual exploitation. It can be present in unexpected sectors like convenience stores, nail salons, massage parlors, agriculture, and restaurants. Often victims do not recognize their situation or know how to seek assistance.

Signs that someone might be a victim include visible abuse marks like bruises or scars; lack of control over personal finances or identification documents; avoidance of eye contact; inability to speak on their own behalf; unfamiliarity with their location; or reluctance to admit victimization or request help.

The Attorney General's office is actively working against human trafficking through prosecution under state laws. Last year saw charges related to an international sex trafficking ring at illicit massage parlors in metro Detroit. Additionally, there were charges against individuals accused of labor trafficking a woman from India under false pretenses of marriage. The office also supports Senate Bills 515–517 signed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer aimed at enhancing protections for survivors and increasing accountability for traffickers.

Last year saw successful prosecutions resulting in significant sentences for two individuals involved in child sex trafficking across Michigan. The Department also provides training sessions for law enforcement personnel and collaborates with community advocates to raise awareness.

Established after the 2014 Human Trafficking Commission Act became law, the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission consists of nine members appointed by the Governor along with representatives from several state departments. Assistant Attorney General Melissa Palepu currently chairs this commission.

The commission's mission includes identifying grant sources for anti-trafficking efforts, funding research on human trafficking's scope within Michigan, providing training across multiple professional fields including police officers and healthcare providers, collecting data on human trafficking activities within the state, coordinating information dissemination among agencies involved with related issues nationwide as well as reviewing existing services available for victims while improving public awareness about these crimes.

For 2025 six meetings are scheduled at Williams Building located at 525 W Ottawa Street accessible remotely via Microsoft Teams inviting survivors advocacy groups law enforcement partners alongside general public participation during sessions planned between noon until one pm scheduled January 23 March 10 May19 July14 September22 November17

Victims needing support can reach out National Human Trafficking Resource Center through hotline number888-373-7888 text233733 offering round-the-clock confidential assistance throughout year

Further details regarding Attorney General’s initiatives tackling human-trafficking updated legal frameworks prohibiting practices accessible via official website