By PSA Newsroom Staff
January 12, 2026
South Carolina – continues to confront the pervasive issue of human trafficking across the state, according to the 2025 South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force Annual Report released today at the State House by Attorney General Alan Wilson, who serves as Chair of the Task Force. The report’s findings underscore the urgency of coordinated statewide efforts to protect victims, expand services, and disrupt trafficking networks.
Key Findings from 2025
- The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated 315 human trafficking tips, spanning 41 of the state’s 46 counties — a near-statewide reach.
- Of the 315 cases opened, 86 percent involved sex trafficking.
- 323 victims were identified, 234 of whom were children and youth, reflecting the disproportionate impact on younger populations.
- The state also saw a 48 percent increase in identified adult victims, underscoring growing recognition and reporting of cases across age groups.
These statistics are a stark reminder that human trafficking touches communities in every region, and that trafficking, especially of minors, remains a critical public safety and human rights challenge.
South Carolina Leads with Victim Support and Program Standards
In response to both data and growing demand for quality care, the Task Force took unprecedented steps in 2025 to strengthen services for survivors:
- Safe House Certification Program:
South Carolina became the first state in the nation to launch a statewide certification program for service providers working with human trafficking survivors, aimed at ensuring trauma-informed, victim-centered care. Initial partners include Doors to Freedom, the Formation Project, Jasmine Road, and Lighthouse for Life. - The certification program, established under a 2018 legislative mandate, sets a new standard for service quality and helps survivors and their advocates identify trusted programs statewide.
Convening Professionals and Enhancing Awareness
The Task Force also advanced collaboration and public awareness:
- Human Trafficking in the Carolinas Conference:
In partnership with the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission, the Task Force hosted its first multistate conference, drawing more than 300 professionals. The event featured expert presentations on investigation, prosecution, and service coordination. - Redesigned Hotline Materials:
Working with its Survivor Advisory Subcommittee, the Task Force updated the National Human Trafficking Hotline posters for the tenth anniversary of South Carolina’s posting requirement — strengthening public access to help.
Expanding Prevention Education and Outreach
Efforts in 2025 also focused on prevention and broader community engagement:
- TravelWatchSC Phase Three:
The initiative expanded training and outreach to frontline transportation workers, including those with COMET, COAST RTA, Greenlink, and CARTA, to help frontline staff recognize and report signs of trafficking. - TraffickProofSC Implementation:
The state increased use of TraffickProofSC, the award-winning prevention education curriculum developed to teach students, families, and community members about human trafficking awareness and prevention. - Labor Trafficking Awareness at Welcome Centers:
Partnerships with South Carolina Welcome Centers brought labor trafficking prevention information to major travel corridors across the state.
A Call to Collaborative Action
Attorney General Alan Wilson emphasized that ending human trafficking requires collective commitment: law enforcement; service providers; educators; transportation and hospitality partners; and every South Carolinian. The 2025 report reflects both sobering realities and significant progress in victim support and systemic coordination.
“Human trafficking is not a challenge any single agency can solve alone. Through leadership and dedication across sectors, South Carolina remains a model on how to address this crime,” Wilson said at the report’s release.
PSA Newsroom will continue coverage of human trafficking prevention and response efforts throughout the state. If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, available 24/7, confidentially.
https://www.scag.gov/media/btihjcor/2025annualreport_1-9-26.pdf
