Human Trafficking Task Force Public Forum Set for Sept. 10 (Video)

The issue of human trafficking will be the subject of a public forum hosted by the County Executive’s Human Trafficking Task Force (HTTF), on September 10 at 7 p.m., at the Council Office Building.

The HTTF was appointed in June by County Executive Isiah Leggett to explore possible new County legislation to combat human trafficking, raise awareness of the forms human trafficking takes in the County and review ways to improve services provided by the County to victims of trafficking. The task force is hoping to receive testimony from organizations or individuals with expertise or experiences they want to share.

The task force is comprised of members from the County Executive’s Office, the County Council, Police Department, State’s Attorney’s Office, County Attorney’s Office, Circuit Court, Sheriff’s Office, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Permitting Services, the Commission for Women, the Commission on Human Rights, Office of Community Partnerships, non-profit advocacy organizations Montgomery County National Organization for Women and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and non-profit service providers Maryland Rescue and Restore Coalition.

Maryland law defines human trafficking for sexual purposes in Criminal Law Article 11-303, which makes it unlawful for a person to knowingly take, place or harbor another for prostitution; persuade, induce or encourage another to be placed in any location for prostitution; use or detain another by force, threat or persuasion to engage in prostitution; or receive compensation for procuring or placing another in a place or house of prostitution.

For more information, or to be placed on the speakers’ list, call Mike Subin in the Office of the County Executive at 240.777.2530 or Lori Lee Savage, 240.777.2522. The speakers’ list will be limited to 25 speakers, with three minutes allotted for individuals and five minutes for organizations. Speakers are asked to provide 15 copies of their testimony at the pubic forum.

Sign language interpreter services will be provided only upon request with notice as far in advance as possible, but no less than 72 hours prior to the event. If these or other services or aids are needed to participate in this activity, call 240.777.8302, or MD Relay 711 or email a request to chickona.royster-edwards@montgomerycountymd.gov.

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