Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman of the “Mighty District 6” is inviting the community to attend a forum dedicated to raising the awareness of human trafficking. On Wednesday, January 31, the Commissioner will host the 2024 Human Trafficking Forum from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the YMCA of Metro Atlanta located at 569 M.L.K. Jr. Drive N.W., Atlanta, GA 30314.

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In recognition, Commissioner Abdur-Rahman will be joined by Wellspring Living during the two-hour forum to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. During a panel discussion, guests will hear how officials are advocating for survivors and working to stop human trafficking throughout Fulton County and the state of Georgia.

Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar industry which targets the most vulnerable citizens, including low-income individuals, runaway youth, and children in the foster care system, and subjects them to sex or labor exploitation.  This month we encourage our community to learn what makes someone more vulnerable to exploitation- homelessness, poverty, history of drug use and previous trauma, among others. Isolation – physical and/or emotional – is also a key method of control in most trafficking situations. Pay attention to people you interact with regularly or know – your customers, students, tenants, patients, co-workers, even your own children and family. Be aware of who is more vulnerable.  Awareness and connection are critical tools to combat trafficking.  Anyone can be trafficked.

Fulton County has long supported efforts to end sex trafficking and support those who have been affected by sex trafficking. In 2022, the Fulton County Board of Commissioners appropriated $500,000 toward community programs to fight human trafficking. The funding was provided to Wellspring Living to help victims of domestic sex trafficking and those at risk with specialized recovery services.

Residents can join the fight against human trafficking by reporting possible cases in Georgia’s 24-hour Human Trafficking Hotline at (866) 363-4842 for more details.