WILKES-BARRE, PA — On January 30, 2025, the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) convened a roundtable discussion to address the pressing issue of human trafficking. Held at the Victims Resource Center in Luzerne County, the event brought together state leaders, local officials, victim advocates, and survivors to explore ways to detect trafficking, support victims, and strengthen collaborative efforts against exploitation.
“Many people believe, ‘human trafficking could never happen to me,’ but the reality is that it can affect anyone, anywhere,” stated Kathy Buckley, Director of the Office of Victims’ Services at PCCD. She emphasized the importance of survivor voices in shaping policies and programs, highlighting the work of the Northeast Pennsylvania (NEPA) Task Force Against Human Trafficking. The task force unites law enforcement, victim service providers, prosecutors, and community groups to help survivors while holding traffickers accountable.
Survivors played a central role in the discourse, sharing personal stories to shed light on the realities of trafficking. “There are many misconceptions about trafficking, and I believe it’s crucial to have survivors involved in discussions like the one we had today,” said Anastasia Joy, a survivor and advocate. She elaborated on her mission to educate the public and raise awareness, stating, “Trafficking happens every single day, and there’s no specific target for who gets trafficked. Traffickers don’t see color, gender, or age; they see vulnerability and opportunities.”
The NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking focuses on multidisciplinary collaboration to address exploitation, provide resources for survivors, and establish best practices. The partnership model was praised by Suzanne Beck, Co-chair of the task force and CEO of the Victim Resource Center, as critical for combating trafficking. “Traffickers thrive when systems do not work together. The most important work of the NEPA Task Force is collaboration,” she explained.
The Shapiro-Davis Administration has demonstrated a strong commitment to assisting victims of crime, including trafficking survivors. Recent initiatives include investments in the Victims Compensation Assistance Program and strategic partnerships like the statewide human trafficking workgroup with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). “Wherever there is transportation, there is the potential for trafficking,” said Kara Templeton, Deputy Secretary of Driver Vehicle Services for PennDOT, emphasizing the agency’s role in combatting exploitation.
Additionally, PCCD is spearheading a new statewide project in collaboration with the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova University. The initiative aims to provide a centralized resource hub for information, training, and technical support to local anti-trafficking organizations.
Trafficking disproportionately affects marginalized groups, including people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, exacerbated by systemic inequities and social vulnerabilities. Unstable living conditions, prior exposure to violence, poverty, and substance use further increase risk factors.
Buckley urged anyone affected by trafficking to reach out for help, encouraging them to seek support from local programs offering therapy, counseling, and other resources. “You deserve support and there are people and organizations who are ready and willing to stand by your side,” she said.
For human trafficking resources or to report a case, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733.
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