By Marcia Holt

Human trafficking remains one of Pennsylvania’s most urgent and complex challenges. While prevention and law enforcement are essential, the fight cannot end with arrests.

As CEO of Because Organization Corp., a nonprofit that supports survivors across the Commonwealth, I have seen how awareness campaigns and targeted prosecutions are starting to shed light on the scope of trafficking. But true justice involves more than just ending exploitation; it requires helping survivors rebuild lives filled with safety, dignity, and independence.

This crisis is present throughout Pennsylvania—urban, suburban, and rural areas alike. In Philadelphia, a study revealed that 19% of at-risk youth had been trafficked, mainly for sex but also for labor.

In 2023, the Pennsylvania Human Tra

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