Fulton County Commissioners Take On Sex Trafficking

From Fulton County

During the Fulton County Board of Commissioners’ October 7 meeting, Commissioners are expected to address the issue of commercial sexual exploitation when it votes on a resolution. The proposal would form a coalition between county government and stakeholders concerned about this public health and safety issue. The resolution is co-sponsored by Fulton County Board of Commissioners Chairman John H. Eaves, District 7 At-Large, and District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis.

“I feel this resolution is a huge first step to addressing a huge concern in so many of our communities,” says Fulton County Commission Chairman John H. Eaves. “The victims of this heinous crime deserve all of the attention that can be brought to bear against it.”

If passed, the resolution would authorize Fulton County and its agencies to form partnerships with nonprofit organizations, law enforcement agencies, public health organizations, hospitals, justice coordinating councils, academic institutions, and state and local health departments. The coalition partners would then seek to develop strategies aimed at coordinating efforts against human trafficking.

“I’m extremely pleased that we in Fulton County are aggressively addressing this critical issue,” says District 2 Commissioner Bob Ellis. “In establishing this coalition, we will be combining the knowledge and talents of a wide range of people and groups that I’m certain will achieve the best results possible.”

If approved, the resolution calls on coalition members to provide a report to the Fulton County Board of Commissioners regarding its findings and recommendations. The Fulton County manager would also be directed to provide county resources, including law enforcement and public health, to assist in this effort against commercial sexual exploitation.

According to the Georgia Governor’s Office for Children and Families, more than 300 girls are commercially sexually exploited in Georgia each month and their average age of entry into prostitution is between 12 and 14 years old.

The resolution is available below.