Chairs Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) and Nassau County Host Assemblyman Brian Curran (Lynbrook-21^st A.D) brought experts and officials to discuss the impact of human trafficking in Nassau County and Long Island. Assemblyman Jake Blumencranz (R,C-Oyster Bay) was also in attendance.

Human trafficking cases are difficult to quantify, as so many victims remain unknown. According to the latest available numbers from 2021, the New York State Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking reported there were 295 confirmed cases, while the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 404 cases of human trafficking involving 639 victims. Most of these victims were sex trafficked. More recent numbers are unknown, as the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking has not issued an annual report since 2021, which is required by law.

“Human trafficking is a crime with so many silent victims who are lost with little hope. For the hundreds who are identified in our state annually, how many more remain undiscovered? As a task force, we will explore, with the help of experts and stakeholders, what more New York can do to combat human trafficking and support survivors of these horrific crimes. The many perspectives shared around the state will help us develop legislation and policy recommendations to ensure more people are helped and do not fall victim to human trafficking,” said Maher, ranking Minority member on the Committee on Social Services and sitting member of the committees on Children and Families and Mental Health.

“Our Minority Task Force on Human Trafficking is as much a fact-finding mission as it is to raise awareness within our communities that these crimes against vulnerable women and children exist right here in our state. Hearing from individuals from many disciplines working to help victims and prevent trafficking is going to give us a better understanding of the true problem at hand. No matter their walk in life, people deserve to be safe and free. I hope the legislation we develop will move New York state that much closer to a place where trafficking is brought to light so it cannot thrive in darkness,” said Walsh, who is a child advocate in her home county and sits on the committees on Education and Mental Health.

“I am grateful to Assemblymembers Maher and Walsh for putting this vitally important task force event together. Human trafficking is a scourge that plagues our society, and we must do everything in our power to put a stop to it. In order to do this, we must listen to all perspectives from stakeholders and concerned citizens, which this task force will achieve,” said Curran.

Human trafficking is one of the most critical issues facing our state and the Long Island region today, and now more than ever, it is important for us to find practical solutions to help victims and survivors,” said Blumencranz. “Events like this are imperative to making sure victims’ voices are heard and survivors get the support they need. I will continue to work with law enforcement, stakeholders and partners in government to make sure we put an end to this crisis and stop these heinous crimes.”

Among the stakeholders present were Sheriff Anthony J. LaRocco, investigators and detectives from the Nassau County Sheriff’s Office and County Police Department, the deputy bureau chief from the Special Victims Unit Bureau of the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, the executive director of the Nassau County Office of Crime Victim Advocate, representation from the Safe Center LI, Family & Children’s Association, EAC Network, Northwell Health and S.T.R.O.N.G Youth, Inc.

The Minority Task Force thanks its venue partner, Nassau Community College, for providing the space for this important discussion to occur. A previous meeting of the Task Force occurred on July 30 in Suffolk County. Additional task force meetings are planned for New York City, Hudson Valley, the Capital Region and Western New York.