The Texas Attorney General's Office joined anti-trafficking advocates on the south steps of the Texas Capitol in Austin on Wednesday (April 27) to bring awareness to human trafficking, according to a report from Austin ABC affiliate KVUE.
The Texas Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Division (HTTOC) of the attorney general's office hosted the event, which was also attended by survivors of trafficking, per the station.
Austin CBS affiliate KEYE reported that survivors recounted their experiences in an effort to give strength to victims who are afraid to speak out.
According to KEYE, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said Texas has yet to solve the human trafficking debacle.
Paxton, a Republican, vowed to continue the fight against trafficking.
“As long as I am in office, this is going to be a priority of my office," Paxton said, per KEYE.
Human Trafficking Survivor Council chair Sophia Strother said that victims tend to feel that no one is there for them.
"So many of us are in darkness and don't feel anyone cares about us," Strother said, according to the station.
A Shared Hope International research study showed that 15 is the average age of trafficking victims, KVUE reported.
The study added that the average age of those who participate in human trafficking is 40.
Shared Hope International is a nonprofit organization that works to prevent sex trafficking, as well as helps victims embark on the road to recovery, per the station.
According to KEYE, the Texas Legislature last year made purchasing sex from an adult a felony.
Nearly 950 arrests have been made since then, the station reported.
"Texas is the first in the country to punish sex buyers with felonies, a substantial step toward curbing the demand for commercial sex," Paxton said before the measure – signed into law by Gov. Greg Abbott – went into effect on Sept. 1, 2021. "Human trafficking is modern day slavery, targeting vulnerable men, women and children in our communities. I commend our legislature for passing laws that fight this inexcusable offense.”