The Trump Administration’s Justice Department will award over $100 million to combat human trafficking through the Office of Justice Programs (OJP), announced Attorney General Bill Bar last week.
“The scourge of human trafficking is the modern-day equivalent of slavery, brutally depriving victims of basic human rights and essential physical needs as it erodes their sense of dignity and self-worth,” said Barr.
“The Department of Justice is relentless in its fight against the perpetrators of these heinous crimes. Working with state and local law enforcement and community victim service providers, we will continue to bring these criminals to justice and deliver critical aid to survivors.”
- $17.7 million toward 27 collaborative, multidisciplinary task forces to fight human trafficking, involving enhancing the capabilities of law enforcement.
- $5 million in grants to three organizations to provide training and technical support.
- $35.1 million toward 73 organizations to provide 6 to 24 months of transitional or short-term housing assistance for the victims of human trafficking. This will also go toward helping victims locate permanent housing.
- And $4.3 million will go toward helping at-risk children and youth who are victims of human trafficking.
OJP Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Katharine Sullivan stated during the announcement:
“Human trafficking is a massive global enterprise with roots in cities and communities here in America and across the world.
Adds Sullivan: “The Office of Justice Programs is using all the resources at its disposal to help our state, local and tribal partners uncover and eradicate trafficking operations and help victims open the door to a new life.”
