DA Williams Stands In Support of #WearBlueDay, Raises Awareness for Human Trafficking

NEW ORLEANS – Yesterday, District Attorney Jason Williams and the entire Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office (OPDA) proudly stand in support of #WearBlueDay to combat and bring awareness to Human Trafficking. Hosted each year on January 11 during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Assistant District Attorneys, Victim/Witness Advocates and support staff stand in solidarity with victims and survivors across New Orleans and the country.

“Human trafficking can happen in any community around the world, and New Orleans is not exempt. Today, and every day, we stand with the countless victims and survivors impacted by this horrific crime. With so many large-scale events in New Orleans, our city faces continued challenges combatting human trafficking. However, the people of New Orleans can rest assured that our office is committed to doing everything we can to break the vicious cycle of the web of human trafficking criminality and secure justice for survivors and families,” said District Attorney Jason Williams. “Ending human trafficking requires partnership, collaboration and each of us standing together in support of this important cause. If anyone is need of services, please reach out to the DA’s Office or our various community partners dedicated to eradicating this problem.”

According to reports conducted by the Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center of Louisiana, in 2021, there were 932 victims of human trafficking who were reported receiving services in Louisiana. If you or anyone you know are in need of services, please contact our office at (504) 822-2414 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting “HELP” or “INFO” to BeFree (233733).

For a 24-hour hotline and emergency services for trafficking victims in New Orleans, please contact Covenant House New Orleans at (504) 584-1111.

Additionally, OPDA Narcotics Chief Andre Gaudin, Jr., Victim/Witness Chief Alison Morgado, and Victim/Witness Advocate Claire Beaumont joined law enforcement and other stakeholders for the Law Enforcement Human Trafficking Symposium at the Lakeview Christian Center. This event was designed to recognize the impact of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.

Chief Gaudin, Jr. provided opening remarks and Victim/Witness Advocate Beaumont participated in a panel discussion about the role of victim assistants in combatting human trafficking.

For more information on human trafficking in Louisiana, please visit www.humantrafficking.la.gov/.

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