GVSU Occupational Therapy
Statistics retrieved from National Human Trafficking Hotline
Although it is well known that human trafficking is traffic issue internationally, but its prevalence in Michigan is less known and individuals are not aware of the extent of its occurrence within this state. Many believe that human trafficking occurs "in other places" but it is happening right here in Michigan. Michigan’s proximity to the Canadian border and waterways increases the likelihood of trafficking (Hope Against Trafficking, n.d.). Cities in Michigan with the most calls received by the National Human Trafficking Resource Center and reported by The Polaris Project include (Hope Against Trafficking, n.d.):
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Detroit
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Grand Rapids
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Ann Arbor
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Kalamazoo
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Lansing
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Mackinac Island
In March 2013, Attorney General Bill Schuette and State Representative Kurt Heise, in cooperation with Governor Rick Snyder and the MichiganLegislature, launched Michigan Commission on Human Trafficking. This is the first Michigan Commission on Human Trafficking and its aim is to educate the community and prevent human trafficking in Michigan. Data regarding human trafficking in Michigan was limited, therefore, the Michigan Commission on Human Trafficking gathered data to bring awareness about this topic's prevalence and establish a plan of action (Michigan Commission on Human Trafficking, 2013).
Recommendations based on findings:
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To increase data reporting, develop a standardized and comprehensive method for storing human trafficking data
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Develop standard human trafficking victim assessment tool
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Increase housing and services for victims
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Develop specialized trauma-informed programming and training
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Establish a single state-administered human trafficking web portal and develop more extensive social media resources on human trafficking awareness
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Implement a statewide human trafficking public awareness campaign
Michigan Commission on human trafficking has goals to pass appropriate legislation that strengthens Michigan’s anti-trafficking efforts:
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Passing a safe harbor law for trafficking victims
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Increasing the penalties for “johns”
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Updating Michigan’s Prostitution Act
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Changing aspects of the Omnibus Forfeiture Act to stop criminals from evading forfeiture efforts
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Modifying nuisance abatement laws to include human trafficking
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Amending the Human Trafficking Act
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Passing legislation to allow the vacating of victims’ conviction records
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Requiring mandatory reporting of human trafficking by certain professionals
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Extending the statute of limitations for human trafficking offenses
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Amending the federal Communication Decency Act
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Enacting a human trafficking poster law to increase awareness