Gaydos Joins Bipartisan Effort to Combat Human Trafficking in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG - Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) today announced she has joined a bipartisan, bicameral Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus in the General Assembly, a coordinated effort to strengthen laws, support victims and crack down on trafficking across the Commonwealth.

The caucus brings together lawmakers from the House and Senate, and both parties, to advance legislation, raise awareness and partner with organizations working to prevent trafficking and assist survivors.

Gaydos said the issue is urgent for Pennsylvania. It is especially an issue anywhere major highways and transportation infrastructures make the region easily accessible and thereby more vulnerable to trafficking activity. It is especially prevalent and compounded in areas with access to online platforms which serve as one of the biggest on ramps to the exploitation of women, children and vulnerable adults.

“Human trafficking is happening in our communities right in front of us every day. They may not be as obvious as you might think, which is why we need to expand awareness of this terrible scourge. Our major transportation routes and access points such as the Pittsburgh International Airport make this area especially vulnerable,” said Gaydos. “Our caucus is all about taking a serious, coordinated approach to stop these crimes, protect victims and make sure traffickers are held accountable. We have a responsibility to act, and I am committed to being part of that effort.”

Gaydos noted her work to address and prevent human trafficking. In 2021, legislation she authored, Act 45 of 2021, was signed into law. The measure expanded the list of sexual offenses requiring offenders to participate in Department of Corrections counseling and therapy programs designed for incarcerated sex offenders.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline consistently ranks the Commonwealth among the highest for reported cases with traffickers often exploiting access to highways, airports and densely populated areas to move victims undetected.

Through the caucus, lawmakers will work to advance targeted legislation, improve coordination with law enforcement and service providers, and increase public awareness to better identify and prevent trafficking.

“I look forward to working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to strengthen protections for vulnerable individuals and ensure Pennsylvania remains committed to fighting this crime,” said Gaydos.

Human trafficking can happen anywhere, to anyone, and at any time. Report Human Trafficking!?Call the?National Human Trafficking Hotline:?1-888-373-7888. Suspect human trafficking of a child? Call ChildLine: 1-800-932-0313.