Officials, Activists Highlight Human Trafficking Threat In Montgomery Co.

NORRISTOWN, PA — Officials, activists, and nonprofit leaders in Montgomery County are urging public awareness of ongoing human trafficking issues, particularly involving children.

It comes as related efforts to highlight the dangers of human trafficking were promoted during January, which is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

“Traffickers are not always strangers," Caroline Goldstein, Esq., Captain of the Family Protection Unit at the Montgomery County District Attorney's Office, shared in a statement. "They can be known adults—family members, caregivers, or others in a child’s life. If you suspect a child is being exploited, don’t dismiss your concerns just because the perpetrator is someone they know.”

The DA's office and Mission Kids, which works to support children victimized by trauma and abuse, cited Goldstein's work in a recent profile.

She added that victims of this sort of exploitation in these local area, especially children, are hesitant to open up right away about their experience and that cases can take time to develop. Learning how to listen and make yourself available is one of the best things that the average person can do.

"(Victims) need to be given a voice," she added. "They need to know they’ve been heard and can trust the people supporting them. Meeting their basic needs and ensuring they feel safe is the first step in helping them heal."

If you believe a child is at risk, contact the Pennsylvania Child Abuse Hotline in Montgomery County at (800) 932-0313.