MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WBTW)- January is human trafficking awareness month and a recent report shows South Carolina was most improved in the nation for fighting human trafficking. The improvement stems from legislation that was passed in 2018.

According to a report done by Share Hope International, South Carolina raised it’s grade to B. That’s thanks to a law written by local representative Russell Fry.
Betty Houbion has been fighting for human trafficking victims in the state since she moved here in 2012.  The year prior, Share Hope International gave South Carolina an F for its handling of the problem.  Houbion said this was the sentiment from some lawmakers at the time.

“There is no such thing as human trafficking so of course there’s not human trafficking in South Carolina and unfortunately one person said quote on quote so it’s a matter of record. “Some women and girls like to be treated like that,” said Betty Houbion, who’s an activist and member of Zanta International.

Houbion reached out the Representative Fry and pushed proposing new legislation. The state has come a long way, and she said now has one of the most complete laws in the nation. Those convicted of trafficking minors will now serve 30 years with out the possibility of parole.  The law also created a safe harbor for victims.

“Keeps them from being taken out into the streets again and being picked up trafficked or anybody else. It gets them back into treatment, back into the school, back into where they need to be,” said Houbion.

The report points out that South Carolina does not have a law that directly addresses sex tourism. Houbion said she wants to educate hotel workers.

“We can go around to motels and hotels with photos of missing people and many times 3 to 4 people can be found just by doing that,” said Houbion.

Houbion also wants state lawmakers to establish a human trafficking court.

“Trauma informed court where everyone is treated with dignity. Everyone will be informed and most importantly know how human trafficking functions,” said Houbion.

Houbion said she also wants to work on educating those who work in the health care system because traffickers often take their victims to the ER to get treated.

Friday at 5, the Myrtle Beach Skywheel will light up blue in honor of human trafficking awareness, and the public is invited to watch.