Ted Yoho: Area should be a no-tolerance zone for human trafficking

It is estimated that more than 20 million victims are trafficked each year around the globe. While it is common to think that this horrific crime takes place outside our borders, the truth is that trafficking occurs throughout the United States every day.

Trafficking is defined by the Department of Homeland Security as a modern-day form of slavery involving the illegal trade of people for exploitation or commercial gain. This offense may include domestic servitude and forced labor, as well as sexual exploitation. The victims are usually the most vulnerable among us: the poor, immigrants in search of a better life, women and even young children. The traffickers exploit their victims by luring them in with false promises and coercing them into sex slavery or forced labor.

Too often there is a lack of awareness that this terrible practice of modern-day servitude exists or that it affects our communities. It does exist and it affects our own neighborhoods, towns and counties. Even when the problem of trafficking is realized, law enforcement does not have the tools to go after the perpetrators or care for the victims.

In 2014, it is unconscionable to think that slavery still exists. It is unacceptable. We as a nation need to take a hard stance, lead on this issue and let it be known that we as a nation will not tolerate this heinous activity. The first step is educating our communities, since a lack of awareness is our foremost threat. Second, we must provide the resources to law enforcement and make this a priority among the legal community. Finally, we need to recognize and treat the victims of trafficking as victims — not as criminals.

Fighting human trafficking is not a Republican issue or a Democrat issue. It is an epidemic that we as Americans must come together and fight. In the U.S. House of Representatives there are several bills that I am very proud to have cosponsored and voted for on the House floor: H.R. 3530 — Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act; H.R. 3610 — Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act; H.R. 4225 — Stop Advertising Victims of Exploitation (SAVE) Act; H.R. 4058 — Preventing Sex Trafficking and Improving Opportunities for Youth in Foster Care Act; and H.R. 4573 — International Megan's Law to Prevent Demand for Child Sex Trafficking.

All of these bills — which passed by overwhelming bipartisan support — will toughen penalties for offenders, provide relief for victims and crack down on online advertising and international sex tourism. Within our own office we have begun taking steps to educate and assist law enforcement within the 3rd Congressional District here in North Central Florida. My goal is to make the 3rd Congressional District a "zero tolerance" zone for human trafficking.

In December of 2013, we conducted our first summit, which included representatives from the Department of Homeland Security, sheriffs from surrounding counties, police chiefs and local state attorneys. Today, we will continue to support our law enforcement and help combat this practice by hosting another summit that will be open to the public.

If you are interested in learning more about our office's efforts on this issue or want to learn more, check out the Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign at www.dhs.gov or visit our website at www.yoho.house.gov.

U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho is a Gainesville Republican whose district includes part of Alachua County and 12 other counties.