Who We Are
The Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force is one of nine regional task forces under the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force. Our group encompasses Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, Hampton and Allendale counties and includes active members from the prosecutor's office, nonprofits, victim service providers, social services, clergy, local, state and federal law enforcement, healthcare professionals, civic organizations and others. We strive to build productive relationships within our community to end human trafficking.
To learn more, or to sign up for an upcoming meeting, email sclchttf@gmail.com.
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NEXT MEETING
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Jan. 29, 2024
April 29, 2024
Aug. 26, 2024
Oct. 28, 2024
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Education
Our goal is to promote advanced training opportunities for law enforcement, host educational events, and assist connecting survivors with the services they need. With access to the right resources, people can become empowered to gain confidence and fulfill their potential. Learn more about our work by getting in touch with our team today. Email sclchttf@gmail.com
Volunteer Opportunities
With our organization’s mission in mind, we strive to find new strategies to identify human trafficking victims, prosecute perpetrators, and properly address the issue within our community. The task force is composed of sub-committees that each illustrate the specific needs of human trafficking. Read more about our committee opportunities below.
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Committees
Law Enforcement Committee: strategize ongoing or future investigations and prosecutions, identify potential targets, develop risk assessments, and establish a clear referral process between law enforcement and victim service providers.
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Victim Services Committee: Creates a resource, asset map or referral list to identify organizations that provide services to survivors. Any existing gaps in services should also be addressed to the task force.
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Training Committee: Strengthen both the task force and the community's knowledge when identifying and addressing Human Trafficking. The task force is described, the geographic risks exposed, the scope of trafficking identified, and the process of reporting tips is explained.
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Public Outreach Committee: Integrates the mission of the task force into all advertising, print materials, event promotions, and Web presence. Also works to collaborate with local organizations to promote community engagement.
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What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the business of stealing freedom for profit. In some cases, traffickers trick, defraud or physically force victims into selling sex. In others, victims are lied to, assaulted, threatened or manipulated into working under inhumane, illegal or otherwise unacceptable conditions. It is a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world. South Carolina is no exception.
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South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force's 2022 Annual Report provides a comprehensive overview. This report collects information from each of the state's regional task forces, to include the Lowcountry Human Trafficking Task Force.
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Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another individual to sell sex. Common types include escort services, pornography, illicit massage businesses, brothels, and outdoor solicitation.
Labor Trafficking
Labor trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to include another individual to work or provide service. Common types include agriculture, domestic work, restaurants, cleaning services and carnivals.
