AR joins fight against human trafficking

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a report in 2012 showing Shelby County having one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the state.

(WMC-TV) - As human trafficking remains a multi-billion dollar industry worldwide, another Mid-South state stepped up this week to fight the problem.

"Just the girls walking up and down the street half naked," said Memphis resident, Kennetha McClain describing Lamar Avenue.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation released a report in 2012 showing Shelby County having one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the state.

Tennessee passed 12 new laws this year to combat human traf f icking. Arkansas joined in the ef f orts by creating a human traf f icking task f orce.

"Chances are you have encountered a victim of human traf f icking in your daily lif e," said Arkansas Attorney General, Dustin McDaniel. "You may encounter a woman at a truck stop, or a motel, or a restaurant. When you see her she is rarely alone. She never looks around. She never speaks. She never lets you see anything is wrong, but that person may be the face of human trafficking in our state."

State leaders implemented action not only as a preventative measure but a way to raise awareness about the issue.