New Website to Address Human Trafficking in Effingham Area

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Published on July 29 2021 10:49 am
Last Updated on July 29 2021 10:49 am
Written by Greg Sapp

Effingham's interstates are beneficial to the community in many ways...commerce, tourism, ease of mobility.

There is a downside, though, that being making it easier to engage in human trafficking. 

The 57/70 Task Force has introduced a website designed to educate and provide resources on human trafficking in Effingham County. Through donations, the website was established to help Effingham residents identify, report, and ultimately eliminate human trafficking. The website address is www.5770TaskForce.org 

A group of concerned citizens in the Effingham area established the 57/70 Task Force with a goal of drawing attention to and eliminating predatory acts. Human trafficking exists in the area, according to survivors and their firsthand experiences, as well as in other communities like Effingham. Area residents can play an integral part in spotting and reporting vicitms of human trafficking. 57-70 Task Force has been actively working with local agencies to pursue its mission. Those agencies include SAFE, Eden's Glory, SWAN, Effingham City Police Department, Effingham County Sheriff's Department, Effingham Social Justice Group, and CASA. 

Visitors to the website can find Survivor Stories, online and local training videos, and discussions and roundtables, as well as a link to make donations. The 5770 Task Force's focus is on local education opportunities for concerned citizens and the local support agencies for survivors. 

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations. Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is (888) 373-7888.
 
Anyone wishing to donate may visit the new website at www.5770TaskForce.org. For more information,.contact the Effingham County Chamber at (217) 342-4147.