AUSTIN�Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott joined Texas Legislators and Children at Risk, a nonprofit that works to improve the quality of life for children, to observe Human Trafficking Advocacy Day.
The April 27 event on the steps of the Texas Capitol was organized to raise public awareness about human trafficking � and its devastating impact on children. Attorney General Abbott joined Dr. Robert Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk, State Sen. Leticia Van de Putte, State Rep. Senfronia Thompson and State Rep. Randy Weber.
"Human traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to compel their victims into modern-day slavery. Collaboration between law enforcement and groups like Children at Risk is absolutely essential to combating this heinous crime," Abbott told rally participants. "On Human Trafficking Advocacy Day, I am honored to join the dedicated officials who are leading the state's efforts to eradicate human trafficking and protect innocent children.
Attorney General Abbott added: "Dr. Sanborn and Children at Risk are championing initiatives like their Center to End the Trafficking & Exploitation of Children, which will help ensure victims in our state find a safe haven from their traffickers. Equally important, thanks to Sen. Van de Putte, Rep. Thompson and Rep. Weber, Texas will have the laws necessary to ensure the Lone Star State is hostile territory to the traffickers who attempt to profit from this horrific criminal enterprise."
He has also expressed his strong support for Senate Bill 24 and House Bill 7, which implement the 2011 Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force report's legislative recommendations.
For more information about the Office of the Attorney General's battle against human trafficking and a copy of the 2011 Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force report, visit the agency's website at www.texasattorneygeneral.gov.