SB COMMUNITY
putting a
STOP to Human Trafficking
H
uman trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, and many people have the misconception that these victims are kidnapped and transported across borders. Although some victims are brought in or taken out of Louisiana, the majority are “home-grown” cases by a relative or someone familiar. The victims “may live in our neighborhoods and go to our schools,” says Laurie McGehee, Chief Probation Office for the Caddo Parish Juvenile Court and Director of FREE: The Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition of Northwest Louisiana.
The traffickers are individuals selling a child for sex in their home, neighborhood, hotel, etc., in exchange for money, drugs, a place to stay, etc. Traffickers use all sorts of manipulative ways to lure victims, often “grooming” them first. They target mainly girls (but boys also) who are vulnerable and who may not have their basic needs being met. The traffickers may start by purchasing food, paying the electricity bill, and being helpful and kind, says McGehee. There may be a romantic relationship, or promises of money or jobs that keeps the victims dependent on the trafficker. Sometimes the situation can become violent. The Community Response Team found that the most common risk factor to becoming a victim was the lack of parental supervision/control. Closely following behind were a history of running away, risky sexual behavior, truancy, and having an older boyfriend/girlfriend. Louisiana is a “safe harbor state” and does not prosecute victims under 18 as criminals. It’s not as easy for those 10 and over, because there needs to be proven “force, fraud, or coercion” to meet the human trafficking definition and prevent prosecution. The current efforts to combat human trafficking in Louisiana started right here in Caddo Parish. What they were seeing in the Juvenile Court led to the creation of the FREE Coalition in NWLA. The Coalition is dedicated to the restoration and empowerment of victims and survivors and to ending human trafficking in Northwest Louisiana by empowering coalition members to provide the best quality service, educating the community and effecting change in policy. McGehee is a true champion of the cause, and was influential in creating a specialized intensive unit focusing on restorative justice to help victims heal as well as establishing the first specialty court in Louisiana for human trafficking cases, called Star Court, in Caddo Parish.
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There is a training program to build awareness of human trafficking which they’ve conducted in the Caddo and Bossier school districts. The free training is available and advantageous to law enforcement, businesses, and others. “Our training team will go anywhere, anytime.” Passionate about getting the word out, McGehee often travels at her own expense. The Governor and First Lady became aware of the efforts in Caddo Parish. Today, there is an Office of Human Trafficking Prevention in the Governor’s office and a statewide effort— FREE: The Coalition to End Human Trafficking in Louisiana. The NWLA Coalition welcomes volunteers and donations for victim services. endslaverynow.org/free-the-anti-human-trafficking-coalition-of-northwest-louisiana February is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month.
LOCAL FREE COALITION MEMBERS
Victim Services
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LA Department of Child and Family Services Juvenile Court for Caddo Parish Jewel House: Housing Gingerbread House: Child Advocacy Center and Prevention Programs Center for Children and Families Goodwill: Educational & Vocational Skills Project Celebration: Sexual Assault
Law Enforcement
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Caddo Parish Juvenile Probation Specialized Trafficking Unit Office of Juvenile Justice Juvenile Public Defender Caddo Parish District Attorney: Prostitution Diversion and John School
Collaboration
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CRT: Multidisciplinary Team FREE: State Coalition
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& DV Programs Metanoia Manor Safe House YWCA of Northwest Louisiana Volunteers for Youth Justice Survivor Leader Johnny Gray Jones Youth Shelter Purchased: Not for Sale Attorney General’s Office
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FBI Louisiana State Police Shreveport and Bossier City Marshalls Local Law Enforcement
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I-20: Interstate Coalition
