State Senator Judy Emmons says it's hard to gather data on human trafficking because "it's so deeply hidden." Emmons spoke to WMUK ahead of two public forumsMonday with human trafficking survivors. One in Lawrence and one in Grand Rapids.
Emmons says the estimate is that any time there about 2,400 minors for sale on the West side of Michigan. The Republican whose district falls in the middle of the state and includes Clare and Isabella Counties, says there are very few facilities for survivors of human trafficking. But Emmons says the best thing to do is get rid of the demand. She says people don't like everyone to know if they're looking to purchase a trafficked individual.
Legislation passed during the last term puts someone who purchases a minor for trafficking on the sex offender registry. Emmons says that's a start, but she says other states and counties in other states post the names of people on Facebook if they're arrested.
Emmons says previous forums have shown that human trafficking happens also over the state in urban and rural areas. "It's one of the most insidious issues I think that I have ever found."
Asked about moving bills through the Legislature, Emmons says an issue like human trafficking moves slowly because it requires educating lawmakers and the public. But she says legislation should be introduced before summer.