SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News) — New York State Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed several pieces of legislation aimed at preventing human trafficking.
According to a press release by Hochul, the legislative package will “ensure locations such as airports, bus terminals, hotels, and truck stops include information on human trafficking.” The package will also include human trafficking recognition training for employees at places such as bars and airports.
Erin Bates, deputy director of the McMahon Ryan Child Advocacy Center, said it is important for people to speak up should they notice anything suspicious.
“I think if you see something you should say something, as with any situation where someone might be in need of help,” she said.
The center provides resources for young children who are victims of human trafficking and tries to set children on a path geared toward reaching their life goals.
“It’s intensive case management depending on what the child needs,” Bates said. “We know youth who fall victim to human trafficking have a lot of choices that are taken away from them. We try to figure out what it is that they want to accomplish, and establish safety plans with them.”
Bates encourages individuals to have a heightened alert of any suspicious activity they may notice. She added that human trafficking must be thoroughly understood by communities.
“A lot of this occurs right under our nose, and if people don’t know what to look for, then they may not notice it,” Bates added.
Hochul’s new legislative package will look to meet the goal of awareness Bates encouraged and will look to provide knowledge to anyone who may be unaware of human trafficking.
