Push to pass Missouri anti-trafficking measures: “We are fighting back” – Missourinet
Push to pass Missouri anti-trafficking measures: “We are fighting back” Missourinet.com
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A Report on Missouri’s Efforts to Combat Human Trafficking
A 2023 study ranks Missouri with the fourth highest rate of human trafficking in the nation. In response to this alarming statistic, Governor Mike Parson and Attorney General Andrew Bailey are urging the Missouri Legislature to pass a proposal that would establish a statewide anti-human trafficking task force as a law. The proposed House Bill 1706, sponsored by Rep. Jeff Myers, R-Warrenton, is currently under consideration for Senate debate.
Fighting Back Against Human Trafficking
During a news conference, Governor Parson expressed his concern for the lives being stolen, exploited, and abused by individuals who feel entitled to someone else’s life. He emphasized the importance of efforts across state government and the attorney general’s office in combating human trafficking in Missouri.
Training Law Enforcement Officers
Since 2018, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has trained nearly 1,300 law enforcement officers in Missouri to adopt a victim-centered approach in detecting potential human trafficking cases. The training aims to improve communication with victims who may be in fear of their traffickers.
The Attorney General’s Task Force
Attorney General Bailey leads a 54-member task force consisting of law enforcement personnel, nonprofit advocacy groups, and other stakeholders. This task force is responsible for expanding the training efforts and coordinating various state government initiatives against human trafficking.
A Significant Step Towards Eradicating Human Trafficking
Attorney General Bailey expressed his commitment to using every legal tool at his disposal to combat human trafficking and exploitation. He believes that the proposed legislation will be a significant step towards ridding the state of this evil once and for all.
Boosting Awareness and Recognizing Threats
Governor Parson and Attorney General Bailey are also urging lawmakers to pass a $1 million state budget request to enhance awareness and recognize the threats posed by human trafficking. These funds would support the Attorney General’s Office in collaborating with partners like the Missouri Children’s Division to protect vulnerable individuals. It is estimated that 60% of child sex trafficking victims have been involved with the child welfare system at some point.
A Call for Action
Representative Ed Lewis, who chairs the Missouri Statewide Council on Sex Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation of Children, emphasized the reprehensible nature of commercial sexual exploitation of children. He highlighted the role of interstate highways in facilitating such crimes and the need for greater awareness about this issue.
Legislative Deadlines
The Missouri Legislature is working towards passing a state budget by May 10. The deadline for policy bills is May 17.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- No Poverty
- Zero Hunger
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- Decent Work and Economic Growth
- Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Reduced Inequalities
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- Responsible Consumption and Production
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SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 5: Gender Equality
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
- Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months.
- Indicator 8.7.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
- Indicator 16.2.2: Number of children aged 0-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation. | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months. |
| SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth | Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor. | Indicator 8.7.1: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Indicator 16.2.2: Number of children aged 0-17 years who experienced any physical punishment and/or psychological aggression by caregivers in the past month. |
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Fuente: missourinet.com
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