Human Trafficking Victims Up In New York State
NEW YORK (WCBS 880) – Human trafficking is a bigger problem in New York than first thought, according to a new study.
Hofstra University published the study this month that claims there are 11,268 human trafficking survivors in New York state since 2000.
"We're really just scratching the surface with our estimate," Associate Professor Dr. Greg Maney said. "It really highlights how pervasive human trafficking is in the area and the scope of the tragedy."
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Hofstra completed the study partnered with nonprofit group LifeWay, an umbrella group of religious organizations that provide housing for human trafficking survivors.
That number only includes the survivors who have come forward. Maney said there are still many more left to be helped.
"You also have those who are held captive, those who escaped and left the area and you have those who have likely died in the process of being trafficked," Maney said.
The study also found that survivors are in dire need of many social services that include medical aide, mental counseling, housing assistance and education, Maney said.
