ATLANTA, Ga. – Georgia stands at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking, achieving a remarkable milestone with a 100% conviction rate in such cases. According to recent data from the Human Trafficking Unit at the Attorney General’s Office, Georgia’s relentless efforts have led to the rescue of 129 victims in the past year alone.
Unit chief Hannah Palmquist, in a recent press conference, highlighted the significant strides made in prosecuting perpetrators of human trafficking. She emphasized that Georgia’s approach extends beyond mere rescue operations, focusing on thorough investigation and prosecution of those involved in trafficking. Palmquist noted that individuals currently facing prosecution are often descendants of the traffickers from previous decades, illustrating a cultural shift in holding perpetrators accountable.
Georgia’s success in combating human trafficking is not without its challenges. Palmquist acknowledged the common barriers encountered in such cases, including a lack of victim cooperation and awareness among jurors. However, she emphasized the dedication of her team in overcoming these hurdles, with a commitment to pursuing cases even in the absence of full victim cooperation.
The state’s efforts have garnered recognition from organizations like Shared Hope International, which evaluates state practices in combating child and youth sex trafficking. Georgia has received high scores for its criminal provisions and policies holding perpetrators accountable. However, there remains room for improvement in areas such as prevention and training, as highlighted in Shared Hope International’s recent report card.
Recent legislative initiatives underscore Georgia’s commitment to eradicating human trafficking. Additional funding has been allocated in the state budget to support facilities and resources for victims. Furthermore, Governor Brian Kemp, alongside First Lady Marty Kemp, has championed legislation to impose harsher penalties on perpetrators of trafficking crimes.
First Lady Marty Kemp, who founded the GRACE Commission five years ago to combat human trafficking, expressed her determination to rid the state of this scourge. “You come after our children, we’re coming after you,” she declared, reaffirming the state’s unwavering resolve to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
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Georgia’s success serves as a beacon of hope in the global fight against human trafficking, demonstrating that with dedication, collaboration, and legislative action, it is possible to achieve justice for victims and hold perpetrators accountable.
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