3 days ago
Louisiana conference tackles human trafficking prevention
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS) – Human trafficking is an issue across the nation, but especially in Northwest Louisiana.
Northwest Louisiana, in particular Caddo Parish, is the third highest in the state of Louisiana, according to the 2024 Louisiana Office of Human Trafficking Prevention Data report.
WATCH: Beyond the Headline: Human Trafficking in Our Community
The 2023 data shows that for all ages, the parishes with the highest number of origin locations were as follows:
Unknown (239, 14%)
Orleans (212, 12%)
East Baton Rouge (206, 12%)
Caddo (146, 8%)
Jefferson (103, 6%)
Calcasieu (90, 5%)
Human trafficking is defined as 'the crime of using force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against his or her will.' And it happens here in our community.
KTAL News Now had the opportunity to interview Laurie McGehee, the Executive Director of the FREE: The Coalition to End Human Trafficking in NW Louisiana.
The FREE Coalition is dedicated to restoring and empowering victims and survivors, educating the community, and empowering its coalition members. The Coalition realized how vital it was to inform the community about human trafficking issues, misperception, resources, solutions, awareness, prevention, and support.
So much so that they started a one-day workshop in 2015, and 10 years later, it has grown to a two-day conference. The 2025 South Central U.S. Human Trafficking Conference is approaching soon, and various breakout sessions are offered to anyone interested in attending.
The conference is free to anyone interested in learning, networking, and understanding how to better prevent, identify, support, report, and respond to victims.
Continuing education units (LPC-CEUs, Social work CEUs, Attorneys CLEs) are also available for attending the conference. Registration is free, and you can customize your agenda according to your interests.
It's easy: download the WHOVA APP, search for the 2025 South Central U.S. Human Trafficking Conference, build your agenda, and attend the conference!
For specific information about the human trafficking response in Louisiana or to find services for victims and survivors, please visit the Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center of Louisiana
To report suspected human trafficking activity:
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888.
Call the Louisiana State Police Hotline at 800-434-8007 or file a report of suspicious or criminal activity
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