Human Trafficking Summit In Georgia Part 3: Resources For The Rescued

But what challenges still exist?

WABE's Rose Scott reports.

When he addressed the summit, Fulton County District Attorney Paul Howard talked about a special unit to prosecute the traffickers.

But he also said when the victims are rescued often they end up back on the street:

PAUL HOWARD:

“and one of the reasons that happens is because we don't have the resources to put these girls in a different environment”

Howard gave detail as to what he believes are critical steps in helping the victims.

PAUL HOWARD

“we badly need special counseling and treatment centers for those girls involved in this crime”

There's a lot of red tape and paperwork when comes to any state funding that may be designated for C-SEC cases that stands for Commercial sexual exploitation of children.

So a majority of the facilities and organizations in Georgia that can help are private or non-profit run.

Howard praised their work.

PAUL HOWARD:

“when you provide these services you're saving a child”

The Governor's office of Children and Families and the United States Attorney's Office Northern District of Georgia joined forces to present the summit.

US Attorney Sally Yates talked about one aspect she felt was important.

SALLY YATES:

“one of the reasons we want to work with our state and local counterparts so they can use the state laws that apply to the johns both to hold them accountable for their criminal conduct but also to serve as an important deterrence, without the demand we don't have the victims”

Yates says there are a number of cases currently under investigation.

She's quick and to the point about Georgia becoming the model state in combating sex and human trafficking.

SALLY YATES:

“we're sure trying”

That's because Atlanta and Georgia have long been labeled a major hub for sex trafficking especially of minors.

According to a recent demand study 7,200 men account for 8,700 paid sex acts with adolescent females each month in Georgia.