Vermont joins fight against human trafficking | Vtdigger.org

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By Press Release on April 26, 2010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 24, 2010

Vermont officially joins the fight against human trafficking and modern day slavery

Montpelier – Vermont has been considered one of the most lenient states when it comes to combating human trafficking in the U.S. The state has been listed as 1 of 5 states in the entire country and the only state in the entire Northeast that has failed to pass an up to date human trafficking law. This is all about to change.

This Tuesday at 1:30 pm, Governor Jim Douglas will sign S. 272, “An act relating to human trafficking.” The bill will establish a task force and law enforcement advisory board that focus on the issues related to human trafficking in Vermont and make the most appropriate recommendations for ways to protect the rights of victims and hold accountable those who commit these heinous crimes.

According to Liz Tedrick-Moutz, COVAST founder and future member of the Vermont human trafficking task force, “We still have a long way to go, but S. 272 is the first step in creating an effective, collaborative effort to combat a very inter-related and under-reported crime. Understanding how human trafficking uniquely exists within our state will help develop more effective ways to respond and teach others.”

Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery in which men, women and children are bought, sold and used against their will. Victims are used for a wide range of purposes that include forced labor, prostitution and domestic servitude. Human trafficking is the 3rd most profitable criminal industry in the world and it flourishes in areas where the crimes remain hidden. In the US, traffickers seek out the most un-regulated states to conduct their “business” because they run little risk of getting caught and their victims have little chance of escaping. Human trafficking happens in every country and state, including Vermont – regardless of ethnicity, nationality or economic background.

A public bill signing ceremony for S. 272 is scheduled for Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 1:30 p.m. in the Ceremonial Office of the Vermont State House. Attendance is strongly encouraged in an effort to raise awareness against human trafficking, the world’s modern day form of slavery.

For general information on human trafficking in Vermont visit www.covast.org

For more information contact Liz Tedrick-Moutz at 802-595-9621

Vermont joins fight against human trafficking | Vtdigger.org

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