Human trafficking reports increase in Volusia County

The Florida Abuse Hotline received 53 reports of human trafficking in Volusia County last year, up from 31 in 2016, Florida Department of Children and Families data shows.

Volusia accounted for more than 71 percent of reports from the 7th Judicial Circuit, which also includes Flagler, Putnam and St. Johns counties.

The recent rise is “ultimately due to more awareness and increased training,” DCF communications director John Harrell said. “The more people are aware of the signs (indicating human trafficking is taking place), the more people are going to report it.”

Training first responders and teachers how to recognize potential victims has been a particular focus that DCF plans to continue for the foreseeable future.

But other factors contribute to Florida ranking third in the nation for human trafficking reports.

“That’s going to happen when you have an area where there are more tourists,” said Harrell, citing the visitor-driven nature of cities like Daytona Beach, which attracts millions of people each year with events such as Bike Week, Spring Break, NASCAR races and vacations.

“Unfortunately these are the times when people are victimizing others through human trafficking and putting up ads.”

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Signs of child sex trafficking include unexplained absences from school, style of dress and behavior becoming more sexualized, new clothes, expensive gifts, marks of physical abuse, an older boyfriend and new tattoos.

“Maybe they’re the only teenager out with people much older,” Harrell said. “We have people brought in as early as 12, and had a recent case in which the victim was age 9.”

Anyone who suspects a child is being trafficked should call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 800-96-ABUSE (800-962-2873) and provide as much identifying information about the situation as possible.

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