Frederick County and Safe House Project Unite to Combat Human Trafficking

Frederick County & Safe House Project Join Forces to Combat Human Trafficking

In a significant effort to tackle the pressing issue of human trafficking, Frederick County has formed a strategic alliance with the Safe House Project, launching the Enhanced Collaborative Model (ECM) Task Force. This initiative aims to combat human trafficking through collaboration, prevention strategies, and a commitment to survivor-centered care.

From January 2022 to April 2024, Frederick County has identified 34 cases of sex trafficking and 7 instances of labor trafficking. These harrowing statistics underscore the urgent necessity for action. The ECM Task Force has been bolstered by a substantial grant of $1.06 million from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime, aimed at strengthening local, state, and federal efforts to combat trafficking.

The launch event held on November 21, 2024, showcased an impressive gathering of leaders from various sectors, including law enforcement, non-profit organizations, and community groups. Participants engaged in a range of activities, such as touring the Intercept Task Force offices and attending a stakeholder roundtable discussion.

Building a Collaborative Framework

A key moment of the event was a luncheon where stakeholders convened to discuss future strategies, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among all parties involved. Kristi Wells, CEO and Co-Founder of Safe House Project, highlighted this collaboration by stating, "This task force is about more than combating trafficking; it's about ensuring that every voice is heard."

The roundtable discussions served to solidify the task force’s goals: fostering partnerships, valuing diverse perspectives, and ensuring that survivors have access to a full network of support services.

Federal Commitment and Local Action

The ECM Task Force is poised to utilize the federal grant over the next three years for implementing survivor-centered care, holding traffickers accountable, and preventing trafficking in Frederick County.

Additionally, Senator Chris Van Hollen has advocated for further funding to expand Safe House Project’s reach across Maryland, enhancing the support and services available to survivors statewide. Van Hollen emphasized the necessity of collaboration among all involved, stating, "Tackling the dangers of human trafficking requires a comprehensive approach to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable."

Voices of Commitment and Leadership

Throughout the event, task force leaders voiced their commitment to the mission. Frederick County State’s Attorney, Charlie Smith, reiterated the legal focus of the task force, emphasizing the importance of bringing traffickers to justice. "Human trafficking is a crime that has no place here. We aim to ensure that survivors receive the care and dignity they deserve," he said.

Kristi Wells expanded upon the importance of a survivor-centered approach, stating, "This task force reflects what is possible when we work together to support survivors and prevent exploitation."

Bryan Weight, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Light Shine, stressed the role of collaboration in tackling trafficking. He remarked, "The strength of this task force lies in its partnerships. By combining the expertise of various agencies with survivor-centered organizations, we’re laying a foundation for impactful change."

About the ECM Task Force

The ECM Task Force is a multi-disciplinary initiative united under the banner of the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime, bringing together law enforcement agencies, NGOs, and community organizations. With a focus on collaboration and trauma-informed care, it seeks to eradicate human trafficking, support survivors, and ensure justice is served.

About Safe House Project

Safe House Project stands as a national leader in the struggle against human trafficking, dedicated to empowering survivors through advocacy, education, and care. Since its inception, the organization has fostered one of the largest survivor support networks across the country. It has also trained over 400,000 professionals to recognize and respond effectively to trafficking signs, thereby reinforcing its mission to provide care and dignity to survivors.

For further information about their initiatives and mission, visit Safe House Project. For inquiries, contact Elizabeth Fields at (507) 769-0819 or [email protected].