Savannah group hosts Traffick Jam to raise awareness of human trafficking this weekend

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - The Savannah Interagency Diversity Council will host its annual Traffick Jam event this weekend at Savannah State University, aiming to raise awareness about human trafficking and provide training for both law enforcement and the public.

Organizers say the event comes as human trafficking continues to be a growing concern across Georgia. According to Chatham County Hope Court, Chatham County ranks sixth in the state for human trafficking cases and fourth for child trafficking.

“The community needs to be made aware because this is happening right here in our community,”Jospeh Smith, a member of the Savannah Interagency Diversity Council said.

Traffick Jam, now in its 11th year, is designed to educate attendees about the warning signs of trafficking and the vulnerabilities traffickers often exploit.

“Poverty, homelessness, lack of education, low self-esteem,” William Gettis Savannah Interagency Diversity Council Chairman said.

Savannah Mayor Van Johnson said the city’s location and economic activity make it particularly vulnerable to trafficking.

The mayor cited Savannah’s status as a major tourist destination, the presence of a busy port and its proximity to two major interstates as contributing factors.

The event begins Friday with specialized training exclusively for law enforcement. On Saturday, Traffick Jam will be free and open to the public, featuring a panel of survivors, social service providers and community organizations that work directly with victims.

Organizers also plan to present skits based on real-life scenarios to help attendees better understand how trafficking happens, including how predators target youth through online platforms.

“It’s very tense, and I understand why people are afraid of it,” one organizer said. “But we’ve got to say something.”

In addition to community efforts, law enforcement continues to address the issue locally. Last fall, the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office announced the formation of a Human Trafficking Investigation Unit. Officials say active investigations are ongoing.