State Rep. Bronna Kahle is supporting a resolution to declare January Human Trafficking Awareness Month in the state of Michigan.

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, second only to drug trafficking as the most profitable form of crime, according to the U.S. Department of State. Approximately $87 million is made per day from sex trafficking transactions.

“Many people don’t realize this is a very real issue affecting Michigan communities,” Kahle said. “While we’ve made significant advances in fighting human trafficking in our state, there is more to be done to protect people enslaved by this heinous industry and to support them after they are emancipated.”

Kahle introduced a plan in 2017 to update sentencing laws to protect victims of human trafficking, calling it a compassionate solution to help protect victims and give them the opportunity to put the criminal behavior associated with the crime in their past. This expansion of the “safe harbor” law for victims of human trafficking ensures that the victims of human trafficking are treated as victims and not like criminals. It was signed into law later that year.

“Victims of human trafficking have already suffered enough, and we should not punish them further for being victims,” Kahle said. “Prison is not the best place for victims of human trafficking. Instead, they should be receiving the counseling they need, the support necessary to move on with their lives, and the opportunity to escape an endless cycle of criminality.

Kahle has also accepted an invitation to attend the White House Summit on Human Trafficking in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 31. The Summit will honor the 20^th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and will include briefings and discussion around paths forward to combat trafficking, as well as innovative solutions to end human trafficking on the state, local, and tribal levels.

“My heart is to help people, particularly those who are unable to help themselves or may need support or a hand up,” Kahle said. “I’m encouraged that more and more organizations are offering resources and help to support a victim’s path to healing and recovery. I will continue working to combat this heinous crime and support efforts that help victims become self-supporting, productive citizens that can hold their head high, with pride in their independence, knowing they are valued and special.”

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