Federal funds target NH human trafficking

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has earmarked $780,038, for the New Hampshire Department of Justice (NHDOJ) to combat human trafficking in that state.

Sens. Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Maggie Hassan (D-NH) joined Reps. Annie Kuster (D-NH) and Chris Pappas (D-NH) to announce that NHDOJ would partner with Waypoint, a New Hampshire-based organization that provides social services throughout the state to families in need.

Grant resources will fund the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force Program director position, as well as provide a full-time human trafficking officer with the Merrimack County Sherriff’s Office and a part-time human trafficking officer with the New Hampshire State Police.

“Human trafficking is an insidious crime that exploits the most vulnerable in our society,” Shaheen, lead Democrat on the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Subcommittee, said. “Human trafficking often goes undetected which is why we need to direct resources to law enforcement to investigate and prosecute traffickers, and connect survivors to support services.”

Shaheen said the federal funding would bolster New Hampshire’s efforts to root out human trafficking and deliver justice.

“It is encouraging news that New Hampshire’s Department of Justice will receive additional resources to help prevent human trafficking and assist the survivors of these heinous crimes,” Hassan said. “I am grateful for the work of our law enforcement and community organizations like Waypoint in doing everything that they can to address human trafficking and I remain committed to advocating for federal resources for our state as we continue these critical efforts.”