Hundreds of people were victims of human trafficking in Louisiana in 2021, and state officials said yesterday that it is time to do more about it.
Gov. John Bel Edwards said authorities know two of the corridors that facilitate human trafficking in the country are the I-10 and I-20 corridors across Louisiana.
Edwards said they also know that large events, especially sporting events, are magnets for the abuse.
Edwards and the first lady unveiled a new campaign Tuesday to combat trafficking across the state.
The governor also introduced the executive director of the newly formed Office of Human Trafficking Prevention. Dr. Dana Hunter said they will be speaking with former victims to make sure they are doing what is best to help them recover and save other potential victims.
First Lady Donna Edwards said the best tools against prevention are education and awareness. She said everyone needs to be aware of children on social media. She said there is a grooming process that a lot of predators take and it does not happen overnight, and can even take over a year.
