Attorney General Ashley Moody has announced two new efforts to aid survivors of human trafficking in Miami-Dade County. The first initiative, Project Protect, will expand its services to Miami-Dade County, providing free doorbell surveillance cameras to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and sexual violence. The program aims to help survivors feel safer in their own homes, as 80% of trafficking victims are revictimized after finding freedom.
Speaking about the program, Attorney General Moody stated, "Florida is leading the nation in efforts to end human trafficking, and with today's announcements, there are now more resources available to protect trafficking victims and train more Floridians to help spot and report suspicious activity."
Miami-Dade County Clerk of Court and Comptroller Juan Fernandez-Barquin expressed his support for Project Protect, stating that it would give the Domestic Violence team members and local partners an additional tool to help victims feel more secure at home. He highlighted the importance of stopping the cycle of violence in their community.
In addition to Project Protect, Attorney General Moody also recognized Airbnb for its $100,000 contribution to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. This donation will assist in funding the Alliance's vital work in combating trafficking and educating businesses and individuals across Florida to identify the signs of human trafficking.
Viviana Jordan, Airbnb U.S. Southeast Head of Policy, expressed the organization's pride in supporting the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. Jordan emphasized Airbnb's commitment to helping fund the Alliance's mission and empowering those on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking.
Human trafficking is a global issue, with an estimated 27.6 million victims worldwide at any given time, according to the U.S. Department of State. In the United States, domestic violence remains a significant concern, with an average of 24 people per minute becoming victims of physical violence, sexual assault, or stalking by an intimate partner, as reported by the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
Attorney General Moody's Project Protect program provides doorbell cameras to survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual violence free of charge in five Florida counties. These cameras offer 24-hour audio and visual surveillance for residences, enhancing the safety of survivors. Information about Project Protect is available in Clerk of Courts offices in participating counties, where survivors can be connected with local victim advocates who guide them through the process of receiving a free doorbell camera.
Airbnb's contribution to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking will support the organization's efforts to provide anti-human trafficking training modules free of charge. This funding ensures that anyone interested in joining the fight against trafficking can receive the necessary education and training.
Ending human trafficking is a top priority for Attorney General Moody, who serves as the Chair on Florida's Statewide Council on Human Trafficking. The Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, a nonprofit organization created by the Florida Legislature, works to provide funding, support, and assistance in the statewide effort to combat human trafficking.
To help save lives by identifying the signs of trafficking and reporting suspicious activity, Floridians are encouraged to visit YouCanStopHT.com. Authorities can be contacted about human trafficking concerns by dialing 1(855) FLA-SAFE. Additionally, anyone experiencing domestic violence in Florida should call law enforcement or the domestic violence hotline at 1(800) 500-1119.
With these new initiatives and partnerships, Attorney General Moody and her team are working diligently to protect survivors of human trafficking and provide the necessary resources to combat this heinous crime.