GOVERNOR O’MALLEY HOSTS THIRD ANNUAL GOVERNOR'S CONFERENCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Event builds on progress from two previous conferences; broadens scope to labor trafficking

BALTIMORE, MD – Governor O’Malley and U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein kicked off the 3rd Annual Governor’s Conference on Human Trafficking  in Baltimore to highlight the State's efforts to stamp out trafficking. Almost 500 court staffers, judges, law enforcement, along with other officials attended workshops staffed by dozens of experts in the field. The Conference is a partnership between the Governor’s Office of Crime Control & Prevention (GOCCP) and the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force (MHTTF).

“From Nigeria to right here in Maryland, human trafficking imposes unimaginable horrors on its victims, many of them children. That's why we're working with a broad cross section of stakeholders to build on our efforts to search these predators out and bring them to justice,” said Governor O’Malley. “Working together, we’ve driven down violent crime to 30-year lows. And with better coordination, increased public awareness of this critical issue and tougher penalties for traffickers, we'll strengthen communities and better protect Maryland families from this despicable practice.”

“As public officials, our greatest responsibility is ensuring the safety of our residents,” said Lt. Governor Anthony Brown. “In Maryland, we’re committed to taking action against human trafficking, a deplorable practice that is plaguing communities around the world.”

“Human traffickers compel victims to work for little or no compensation, often using violence and threats and engaging in illegal activity such as prostitution,” said U.S. Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein. “Through the Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force, local, state and federal law enforcement partners are working with non-profit organizations to help human trafficking victims and prosecute the traffickers.”

Maryland’s response to human trafficking has developed dramatically over the past two years. In 2012, after a call to action by Governor O’Malley, the Department of Juvenile Services (DJS), Department of Human Resources (DHR), Maryland State Police (MSP), and the Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services (DPSCS) implemented targeted human trafficking policies, which included training, risk assessment tools, and data collection protocols.

After the first year, these agencies assessed their individual responses to human trafficking and responded accordingly. The initial data flowing from the implemented policies reflected increased awareness and a consistent victim-centered approach. The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) were added to the statewide strategic plan for combating human trafficking in 2013.

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) has tracked human trafficking activity in Maryland and in 2013 its hotline received 707 phone calls from people seeking information or help, 31 online tips and 24 emails. Approximately one-third of those calls were related to possible labor trafficking. Labor trafficking is often misunderstood and it presents unique challenges in identification and intervention. As a result MHTTF and state agencies have decide to target labor trafficking in Maryland.

Maryland continues to make progress ensuring the public’s safety by setting and surpassing goals to build stronger communities. In 2012, Maryland surpassed its goal of driving down violence against women and children by 25 percent by the end of 2012. Since then, the O’Malley-Brown Administration set a new goal of driving down violence against women and children an additional 25 percent by the end of 2018.