HARRISBURG, PA — Attorney General Michelle Henry this week announced a groundbreaking partnership to fight human trafficking across Pennsylvania, supported by a multi-million-dollar grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The $10 million investment will fund Operation PA STRIKE, a strategic effort to expand the Office of Attorney General’s (OAG) ability to combat both labor and sex trafficking and provide critical support to survivors.
After launching its Human Trafficking Section in 2024, the OAG has significantly bolstered efforts to investigate trafficking networks and prosecute offenders. This grant will allow Pennsylvania to build on those achievements, increasing outreach, investigations, and services for victims.
“I am proud of the progress we have already made to combat traffickers, and am grateful to receive funding that will make a difference for even more survivors of trafficking crimes,” said Attorney General Henry. “Human trafficking is extremely cruel and can impact all races, religions, and demographics. Our office is dedicated to getting justice for every single victim of human trafficking, and this will help us continue to do that.”
Operation PA STRIKE will adopt a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and legal experts to address the complex dynamics of human trafficking. The initiative aims to increase prosecutions of trafficking operations while also improving outreach to vulnerable populations across the state.
The grant includes funding for new personnel in the Human Trafficking Section and resources for the OAG’s partner organizations—The Salvation Army, Justice at Work (JaW), and advocacy programs such as New Day and LIGHT. These groups will focus on extending educational efforts, promoting workers’ rights, and providing direct support to survivors.
Justice at Work, leveraging its years of experience engaging with at-risk communities, will continue offering “know-your-rights” resources and civil legal support to those affected by labor trafficking. Meanwhile, The Salvation Army will expand its assistance programs to reach more survivors by addressing both immediate needs, such as shelter and counseling, and long-term resources like education and job training.
The creation of the Human Trafficking Section has already led to an increase in active investigations, painting a stark picture of the prevalence of trafficking crimes in the state. With this funding, the OAG seeks not only to dismantle trafficking operations but also to foster lasting change in the lives of survivors.
With bipartisan legislative support and robust collaboration among community partners, Pennsylvania is poised to strengthen its fight against trafficking and provide a model for other states. The Attorney General’s Office encourages residents to remain vigilant and report suspected trafficking activities to local authorities.
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