North Carolina has consistently ranked in the top 10 in the United States for human trafficking. Major transportation routes, including the Wilmington port, I, I, I, and smaller highways, provide easy paths for transportation as well as easy access to other parts of the state and country.
Many acts associated with sex trafficking such as prostitution and pornography are viewed as voluntary rather than involving victims. NCSB increases penalties for prostitution in the state and provides protection for victims of exploitation. Under the bill, consent of a minor and mistaken age of minor cannot be used in defense of trafficking. All of the measures outlined in the Safe Harbor Bill grant protections to victims who often are overlooked or ignored.
By taking control at a state government level rather than waiting for federal government involvement, North Carolina has made a commitment to holding itself accountable for the trafficking problem in the state. It is now taking necessary steps toward ownership of the trafficking problem at a more localized level.
Further, Henderson posits that social service departments working with vulnerable populations can assist in identifying and intervening in human trafficking. Child protective services and foster care services, in particular, must be aware of the indicators associated with trafficking as they work closely with vulnerable children.
Henderson extends her argument to say that public workers, including trash collectors and environmental inspectors, are in good positions to identify trafficking because their services connect with daily residential life.
