Sen. Ruth Johnson participates in human trafficking panel

Sen. Ruth Johnson participates in human trafficking panel

LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Ruth Johnson on Monday participated in a panel discussion hosted by Oakland University’s Center for Civic Engagement to provide information on human trafficking to students and the community.

“January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, which is dedicated to shining the light on a terrible crime that continues to devastate thousands of men, women and children every year,” said Johnson, R-Holly. “Michigan has been working on ways to stop human trafficking and support survivors for many years. Although we have some of the country’s toughest human trafficking laws, raising awareness about the epidemic is critical to stopping the exploitation of people of all walks of life.”

For the “Human Trafficking: Myth vs. Reality” discussion, OU partnered with Sanctum House, an Oakland County nonprofit organization that works to help victims of human trafficking.

Participating with Johnson were Rep. Christine Grieg; Sanctum House Executive Director Karen Moore; Dr. Jodi Flanders, medical director for Sanctum House; and survivor Paige Stocchi-Forgette.

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Michigan ranked 7th in the nation in 2019 for reported cases of human trafficking.

Johnson highlighted her bipartisan address confidentiality package as part of the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking. The Senate approved the bills in October.

“The Senate measures would require the state to keep confidential the address of victims of domestic violence, stalking, human trafficking, and others in fear for their safety,” Johnson said.

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Editor’s note: The above photograph is available by clicking on the image or visiting https://www.SenatorRuthJohnson.com/photos/.

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