Executive Summary
- South Carolina officials met to review 2025 anti-trafficking efforts and plan for 2026.
- SLED identified nearly 400 victims this year, including 315 minors.
- Cases involving adult victims increased by 58 percent compared to previous data.
- The state is focusing on new partnerships with public transit systems to intercept trafficking.
- $6.5 million has been allocated to support programs, with funding secured through 2026.
SOUTH CAROLINA — State officials and advocacy leaders convened on Friday to review the effectiveness of South Carolina’s 2025 anti-human trafficking initiatives and establish strategic priorities for the coming year. The meeting underscored a year marked by significant state investment and a sharp increase in identified adult cases, prompting a focus on expanding partnerships with public transportation systems.
James Massie, the human trafficking program coordinator for the General Assembly’s office, detailed the implementation of “Phase 3” of the state’s strategic plan. According to Massie, efforts in 2025 centered heavily on establishing cooperative agreements with major public transit systems across the state to better identify and intercept trafficking activities in transit corridors.
Lisa O’Connell-Hall, representing the advocacy organization Jasmine Road, highlighted the operational challenges facing survivors during the recovery process. O’Connell-Hall explained that many women exiting trafficking situations face substantial barriers to employment due to criminal records and gaps in work history, complicating their reintegration into society.
Earlier in the year, the state committed $6.5 million to expand support programs specifically for minor victims. Data released by the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) indicates that investigators processed nearly 300 tips and identified approximately 400 victims over the reporting period. Of those identified, 315 were minors.
Authorities noted that while reports originated from nearly every region of South Carolina, cases involving adult victims surged by 58 percent compared to previous years. The South Carolina Attorney General cautioned that despite these rising figures, the statistics likely underestimate the full scope of the crime. State officials confirmed that funding for survivor support organizations is secured through 2026.
Strategic Operational Outlook
The reported 58 percent increase in adult victim cases suggests that enhanced training and identification protocols are yielding results, though it also points to a persistent statewide threat. The strategic pivot toward transit partnerships indicates a move to disrupt trafficking mobility, a critical component in interdiction efforts. Furthermore, the emphasis on employment barriers by support groups highlights a necessary evolution in policy from immediate rescue to long-term economic stabilization for survivors, ensuring that the state’s multi-million dollar investment addresses both prevention and rehabilitation.
