Tackling Human Trafficking On Cape Cod

Lower Cape News editorial staff

Last year the District Attorney's office prosecuted 41 human trafficking cases on Cape Cod. Despite the increase in prosecutions, both sex and forced human labor trafficking often fly under the radar, but a new grant should bring additional resources to help tackle this under-reported crime.

"I learned through this tremendous story shared by a survivor who described how she had a stabil upbringing. Her trafficker ... enticed her in such a way that I think those potentials exist in any community..."

Robert Galibois,

District Attorney, Cape and The Islands.

Does trafficking exist on Cape Cod?

A light is being cast on the darkest of corners: Human trafficking on Cape Cod. The Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office has received a grant of $97,051 earmarked for the efforts in combatting human trafficking on Cape Cod. The money will be allocated to local trafficking advocacy organizations and for training in police departments and the DA's office. The last three years the DA's office has prosecuted 58 human trafficking cases, 41 of them last year.

What is trafficking?

The most common types of trafficking in the U.S are the exploitation of persons for commercial sex, and forced labor, a modern type of slavery. Both types exist on the Cape, but with a crime as hidden as trafficking is, it is difficult to know the full extent of it. What is known is that the first digitally recorded court case in Barnstable, handling what would fall under today's statute for trafficking in Massachusetts, was 20 years ago.

How do prosecutors combat trafficking on Cape Cod?

By spreading awareness, sharpening investigations and reaching victims light can be shone on this covert crime. Many victims don't realize they have been groomed into trafficking. It can happen to anyone in any community. Leaving such a situation is impossibly hard and dangerous. The DA's office has installed a local hotline for both texting and calling for any type of trafficking. The hotline can be used by individuals who need help or support, or any member of the public who spots unusual behavior.

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