EP 107: SPECIAL COVERAGE: The Human Trafficking Epidemic in Florida
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and it’s important to know that anyone could be a victim.
“I was just really lost in this world. No one, literally no one, to guide me,” says Laura, one of two survivors sharing their personal stories of being lured into human trafficking.
In this two-part “SPECIAL COVERAGE: The Human Trafficking Epidemic in Florida,” four-time Emmy award winner Sarina Fazan hosts a roundtable discussion on the Sarina Fazan Network.
“I felt compelled to do this special because this is an epidemic and it is hitting Florida hard. The state ranks the third in the nation when it comes to this heinous crime,” says Sarina. “My team here at Red House Steaming wanted to do what we could to make a difference. That is why we are hosting this special that is also being carried on the Sarina Fazan Network, which includes Roku worldwide.”
Sarina invited law enforcement officers, religious and state leaders and lawmakers to join in the discussion.
The special explores what to look for and the extraordinary measures that Florida is taking to combat human trafficking, from expungement of victims’ records to dedicating extra officers to bring them safely home. But the work isn’t done, and this is a critical year in the fight.
“It’s in our backyards,” says State Representative Jackie Toledo. The Republican is helping to raise awareness of human trafficking and sharing the massive efforts that the Florida Legislature is taking to protect our state from it.
State Representative and fellow Republican Linda Chaney is also committed to stopping human trafficking. “There’s so much more need than resources right now,” she says. Representative Chaney has filed legislation in the Florida Legislature to help fund programs to help victims of human trafficking.
Pastor Bill Losasso the founder of the nonprofit Restored to Dream says, “They (victims) have no hope. They have no dreams, it’s why we need to do more.” Restored to Dream works with victims every day to help fuel hope, health, and healing.
Those reasons are also why Dotti Groover-Skipper, with the HeartDance Foundation is involved. “Human Trafficking has no boundaries; it crosses all boundaries,” she says.
“If that can happen for me, I would like to just spread a little hope,” says Tia, a human trafficking victim. She shared how she escaped and reclaimed her life.
The Special Coverage explores everything from the warning signs of human trafficking and how we can protect those most vulnerable.
Statistics in Florida including the Bay area are scary. The state ranks so high for multiple reasons. The Tampa Bay region, with its major events, international seaports and airports, and seasonal workers, is a prime location for traffickers who are targeting both young girls and boys. In fact, recent number suggest that one third of victims are boys.
Major Nathaly Patterson of the St. Petersburg Police Department leads the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, spanning six regions. “We are committed to helping victims and we are always doing surveillance that is just one factor of all the efforts,” says the major.
Right now, 23 member agencies are working together with the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force to stop the epidemic.
To help stop this epidemic, please share these important shows.
Here are our guests Social Media channels:
State Representative Linda Chaney
Facebook: @LindaChaneyFL
State Representative Jackie Toledo
Facebook: @ToledoforTampa
Instagram:@toledofortampa
Twitter: @toledofortampa
St. Petersburg Police Human Trafficking Task Force
Facebook: @stpetepd
Instagram: @stpetepd
Twitter: @stpetepd
Restored to Dream
Facebook: @Restored2Dream
Instagram: @restoredtodream
Twitter: @RestoredToDream
Heart Dance Foundation
Facebook: @heartdancefoundation
Instagram: @dotskipper
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