Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Task Force hosts second annual education and awareness conference

On January 27, the Macomb County Anti-Trafficking Task Force (MCAT) held its second annual Education and Human Trafficking Awareness Conference at the Macomb Intermediate School District headquarters in Clinton Township. The conference brought together community partners from across the region to strengthen awareness, collaboration and engagement in local anti-trafficking efforts. Participants included county government departments, regional service providers, educators, for-profit and nonprofit organizations and agencies within the criminal justice system.

Subject matter experts included educators and leaders from the Michigan Attorney General Office, Turning Point, Oakland County Prosecuting Attorney Office, University of Michigan School of Nursing, Clinton Township Clerks Office and a film documentary from a local survivor and her lived experience.

"Human trafficking is not a distant issue. It is happening in communities just like ours, and addressing it requires coordination and education," said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. "This conference reinforces our commitment to supporting survivors, equipping professionals and working side by side with trusted community partners and law enforcement to prevent exploitation and hold offenders accountable."

Human trafficking is a crime that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of labor or sexual exploitation. Every year, millions of individuals are trafficked worldwide, including the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality and traffickers often rely on manipulation, financial vulnerability, false promises or online recruitment to lure individuals into exploitation.

"Protecting our community is a core responsibility of law enforcement," said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. "Human trafficking thrives in secrecy and fear, and the only way to combat it is through the collaboration of informed communities, and a victim-centered approach. This conference helps ensure our deputies and partners have the tools to identify trafficking, intervene early and support survivors on their path to safety and recovery."

The MCAT Task Force works to combat human trafficking through prevention, education, victim-centered response and coordinated law enforcement efforts. MCAT partners closely with local police agencies, prosecutors, health care providers, educators and nonprofit organizations to identify trafficking activity, support survivors and enhance investigative and prosecution strategies.

The conference underscored Macomb County's ongoing commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals and promote a coordinated, community-driven response to human trafficking. For more information on MCAT, macombgov.org/macomb-county-anti-trafficking-task-force

Tom Lehrer
586-463-3523
[email protected]