Human trafficking is a rampant issue all across the world, affecting millions of people every year. Unfortunately, South Carolina is no exception to this problem. The state has several hubs of human trafficking, with Greenville and Charleston counties leading the way. Here, we’ll dive into the top hubs of human trafficking in SC, the types of human trafficking, and the signs to watch out for.
South Carolina Hubs of Human Trafficking
The top five hubs of human trafficking in SC are Greenville, Charleston, Richland, Horry, and Spartanburg counties. Of these, Greenville is the most prevalent, followed closely by Charleston. This information comes from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which received 488 reports from SC in 2021. Sadly, out of those reports, 124 ended up being confirmed cases. This highlights how pervasive and dangerous the human trafficking industry is in our state.
Types of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking comes in two main forms: labor trafficking and sex trafficking. Labor trafficking is when someone is forced to work without pay or under duress, while sex trafficking refers to someone being forced to engage in sexual acts against their will. It’s heartbreaking to think that these forms of exploitation are happening right in our own backyard.
Signs of Human Trafficking
What are some of the signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking? It’s important to note that any one of these signs alone may have an innocent explanation, but together they can indicate something more serious. Some indicators include the person not being allowed to go places alone, not being able to speak for themselves, someone else controlling their ID or passport documents, and having few or no possessions. Physical abuse and not knowing where they are or what day it is are also key indicators.
If you suspect human trafficking in a particular area or if someone you love has gone missing and you need assistance, Bulldog PI offers missing person investigations in Greenville, Spartanburg, and Horry counties. We can help find missing persons who may have fallen victim to human trafficking. We understand the seriousness of this issue and are committed to providing professional, discreet and compassionate services that help bring families back together.
