Many people assume slavery is a thing of the past, however, human trafficking is the fastest growing business in the world. According to the Polaris Project, “human trafficking is a form of modern slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others.” It happens under our nose and often goes unseen. The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 20.9 million victims of human trafficking globally. Forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide. The general public’s lack of awareness fosters this business. 

Toni McKinley, a survivor of human trafficking now counsels victims in Central Texas through her organization, Crowns of Hope.

 On April 16, she spoke at the Rally Against Human Trafficking located at the Texas State Capitol.

DeeDee Olsen is also a survivor of Human Trafficking. Now she works with incarcerated women in prison ministries to foster positive rehabilitation that prevents these women from returning to their previous lives. 


The Austin Police Department’s Human Trafficking and Vice Unit investigates suspected cases of trafficking. Information can come from a citizen tip, the national human trafficking hotline, or a basic patrol call. 

“It’s one of the most complicated crimes in my opinion that you can actually investigate. There’s so many different levels of exploitation and victimization,” Sgt. Bob Miljenovich said. 

In April, U.S. Senate leaders reached an agreement on a sex trafficking bill, which creates two funding streams. One stream of funds flows from fines collected from traffickers that will be used for survivors services. The second would be generated from health center funds.  Read the full coverage here.

Human Trafficking

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