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 the fastest growing criminal activity in our country,” said Commissioner Abdur-Rahman. “It is a criminal industry that strips individuals of their human dignity and rights, with human traffickers preying upon our most vulnerable citizens.  The Human Trafficking forum will provide an insightful discussion on this critical issue.  We’re excited to once again partner with Wellspring to raise awareness and work on solutions for ending this form of exploitation and abuse.”

“Wellspring Living is honored to co-host the Human Trafficking Awareness Panel with Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman (District 6) again,” said CEO of Wellspring Living, Christian Murphy. “Last year's hybrid event shared valuable tools and insights to the community. This year, our goal is to bring more awareness and solicit a charge to the community and leaders to support survivors and help end sexual exploitation.”

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.