Attorney General Michelle Henry has recently unveiled an unprecedented collaboration aimed at combating human trafficking throughout Pennsylvania. This groundbreaking initiative, known as Operation PA STRIKE, has received a substantial $10 million grant from the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The funding will greatly enhance the Office of Attorney General’s (OAG) capacity to address both labor and sex trafficking while also offering crucial aid to survivors.
Since its establishment in 2024, the OAG has made substantial progress in combating human trafficking by establishing the Human Trafficking Section. This initiative has led to enhanced efforts in investigating trafficking networks and bringing offenders to justice. With the recent grant, Pennsylvania can further expand on these accomplishments by focusing on increasing outreach, conducting more thorough investigations, and providing better services for the victims.
“I am incredibly proud of the progress we have already achieved in our fight against traffickers, and I am deeply grateful to receive funding that will have a significant impact on the lives of even more survivors of trafficking crimes,” expressed Attorney General Henry. “Human trafficking is an exceptionally cruel crime that knows no boundaries in terms of race, religion, or demographics. Our office remains fully committed to seeking justice for every single victim of human trafficking, and this funding will undoubtedly bolster our efforts in doing so.”
Operation PA STRIKE takes a collaborative approach, combining the efforts of law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and legal experts to tackle the intricate challenges surrounding human trafficking. This initiative has two main goals: enhancing the prosecution of trafficking operations and enhancing support and outreach to at-risk populations throughout the state.
The grant not only provides funding for new personnel in the Human Trafficking Section but also allocates resources for the OAG’s partner organizations, including The Salvation Army, Justice at Work (JaW), and advocacy programs like New Day and LIGHT. These collaborative efforts will primarily concentrate on expanding educational initiatives, advocating for workers’ rights, and offering direct assistance to survivors.
Justice at Work, drawing on its extensive experience in engaging with vulnerable communities, will continue to provide resources and support to individuals affected by labor trafficking. This includes offering valuable “know-your-rights” materials and providing civil legal assistance to those in need. Alongside this, The Salvation Army will enhance its assistance programs, aiming to reach an even larger number of survivors. Their efforts will focus on addressing immediate needs like shelter and counseling, while also providing long-term resources such as education and job training. Together, these organizations are working tirelessly to ensure that survivors of labor trafficking receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and secure a better future.
The establishment of the Human Trafficking Section has already yielded positive results, as it has sparked an upsurge in ongoing investigations. This sheds light on the alarming frequency of trafficking offenses within the state. With the allocated funding, the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) aims not only to dismantle trafficking operations but also to bring about long-term transformation in the lives of survivors.
With a strong bipartisan legislative support and a collaborative effort among community partners, Pennsylvania is ready to enhance its efforts in combating trafficking and serve as a role model for other states. The Attorney General’s Office urges residents to stay watchful and report any suspected trafficking activities to local authorities.
