Article archive / February 2022
Originally published: . Volume 13, No. 2. Source pages: 4.
On Jan. 25, Gov. Edwards joined by First Lady Donna Edwards and Dr. Dana Hunter, officially announced Louisiana's first Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center and advocacy campaign. Through these efforts, victims, survivors, service providers, stakeholders and citizens will be able to learn about human trafficking, how to identify when someone needs help, how to report this heinous crime and about more specific services for victims. The campaign, Stop Trafficking LA: Human Trafficking is R.E.A.L. The R.E.A.L stands for Recognizing the signs, Educating others, Acting immediately, and Listening to victims and survivors. "Eradicating human trafficking, preventing any more suffering and helping survivors regain control of their lives is something that Donna and I are committed to achieving," said Gov. Edwards. Thanks to Donna using her platform as well as the state legislators, I am proud to say that our efforts here in Louisiana are making a difference and we're gaining national and international attention about the need to educate people about this heinous crime. I'm grateful to Dr. Dana Hunter for leading our new Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. She has demonstrated a strong commitment and expertise in programs and practices to help those who are vulnerable. Under her leadership, Louisiana has secured nearly 2.7 million federal dollars to improve outcomes for child and youth victims of human trafficking. And with this new website, I'm confident our efforts will continue to connect resources with those who need them and help us fight this scourge on our society."
The coalition's first big event is The R.E.A.L public awareness campaign, which will be held in April during the NCAA Men's Final Four Championship tournament in New Orleans. More information on the educational campaign and resources to help identify and report cases of human trafficking are available at www.stoptraffickingla.com
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