Gov. Justice announces new anti-human trafficking initiative

CHARLESTON, WV — Gov. Jim Justice and the West Virginia Fusion Center (WVFC) announced the launch of the new “YOU CAN” initiative aimed at stopping human trafficking in West Virginia.

“We are going to attack this problem together and work to stop these bad actors and this immoral behavior in our state,” Gov. Justice said. “It’s time for all West Virginians, all our agencies, and all our communities to watch out, report and support law enforcement so we can stop this disgusting behavior in our great state.”

Download printable poster here

The “YOU CAN” initiative aims to bring awareness to human trafficking in the State of West Virginia. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against their will. Although Law Enforcement Officers are tasked with investigating human trafficking cases, West Virginia citizens are asked to help by reporting suspicious behavior. “Human trafficking is significantly underreported, partly due to lack of public awareness. Since its inception in 2007, the Human Trafficking Hotline has received more than 800 calls, resulting in 550 victims identified in 246 cases in West Virginia. The available data might give the impression human trafficking is not prevalent in West Virginia – but that’s not true,” said Jack Luikart, Director of the WVFC. “Human Trafficking is often significantly underreported because it is not understood, and there is a lack of community awareness of these activities and reporting mechanisms, which is why the YOU CAN initiative is so vital. We thank Governor Justice and our partners for their leadership and support as we work together to protect all West Virginians.”

Download printable brochure here

The “YOU CAN” initiative provides WV citizens with a local reporting line. This information is relayed to the appropriate federal, state and local authorities for investigation, intervention and action.“When citizens are empowered to report the signs of trafficking and talk about the problem, our communities become part of the solution,” said Mark Sorsaia, Secretary of the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security. “We all need to be aware and work to intervene and mitigate this terrible behavior to protect our friends, neighbors and our children.” The public is encouraged to be aware of the tools and resources available to report suspicious behavior. The YOU CAN initiative and the WVFC website offer local and national human trafficking resources and a way for victims and members of the community to learn about and report information.West Virginians can submit a human trafficking tip online at go.wv.gov/TipsHT, by emailing wvfusion@wv.gov, calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting “Be Free” or 233733. Dial 911 for immediate threats or emergencies. West Virginia has partnered with My Mobile Witness to implement a “see something, send something” reporting system that can be completed on a smartphone or other mobile device.All West Virginians are encouraged to participate in this initiative by downloading the free See, Send application from the App Store or Google Play. The user may submit tips for “Suspicious Activity/Human Trafficking” or “School Threat or Safety Issues,” and they may also request help for “Suicide or Addiction.”Organizations interested in displaying YOU CAN materials or requesting a free training from the WVFC should contact wvfusion@wv.gov.For more information about the YOU CAN initiative, go to fusioncenter.wv.gov.