How To Report Abuse

Human Trafficking

KPCAC offers a specialized case coordination program to serve youth and families who have been impacted by human trafficking and/or internet crimes against children (ICAC). In addition, KPCAC has therapists, forensic interviewers and victim advocates on staff who have received specialized training to serve this population. KPCAC staff proudly co-chairs the Child Direct Services Subcommittee of the Tri-County Human Trafficking Task Force, a regional arm of the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force, and is dedicated to preventing and eradicating child exploitation.

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Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act (sex trafficking) or labor or services (labor trafficking).  These crimes are induced by elements of force, fraud or coercion.  (Force, fraud or coercion is NOT required to constitute a situation of child sex trafficking.  By law, individuals under the age of 18 cannot consent to sex in exchange for something of value, so any commercial sex involving a minor is a sex trafficking situation.)

Things to know about Human Trafficking:

  • Human trafficking impacts persons of all genders, ages, backgrounds and socio-economic classes.  However, youth who are foreign nationals, identify as LGBTQ+, experience runaway or homelessness, or have experienced previous abuse are disproportionately targeted. 
  • Sex and labor trafficking is taking place in both rural and urban settings across the United States, to include places such as hotels, factories, and private residences.
  • While we tend to imagine human trafficking as a “stranger danger” situation, offenders are oftentimes known individuals who have gained a minor’s trust.  Sadly, many times offenders are members of a minor’s family.
  • In 2018, South Carolina legislation changed the definition of child abuse and neglect to include human trafficking.  This requires the South Carolina Department of Social Services to investigate any reports of human trafficking involving minors, even when the alleged offender is someone outside of the home. 
  • Grooming can happen face-to-face, but is also increasingly happening online.  For this reason, human trafficking situations can substantially intersect with internet crimes against children.

Common Red Flags of a Human Trafficking Situation:

  • Frequent runaway
  • Unexplained money, goods, or substances
  • Multiple cell phones
  • A significant other that is noticeably older
  • Frequent sexually transmitted infections
  • Risky online behaviors
  • Living in unstable & unsuitable conditions
  • Unexplained absences from school
  • Physical exhaustion
  • Unexplained marks or bruises

If you suspect a child trafficking situation, please notify local law enforcement (911) and the DSS Intake Hub (1-800-CARE4US).   In addition, you are welcome to telephone our office and pursue support and guidance from a human trafficking Program Coordinator.

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