January 24, 2026

Charleston Takes Action Against Human Trafficking

Charleston, SC, January 24, 2026

Charleston, SC is stepping up to combat human trafficking as highlighted in the recent 2025 Annual Human Trafficking Report. The report by Attorney General Alan Wilson outlines significant data on investigations, victim support, and partnerships formed between state agencies and local organizations. With a focus on preventative measures, Charleston emphasizes community involvement and innovative solutions to protect the vulnerable and maintain a thriving economy. Efforts include training law enforcement and community education initiatives to enhance awareness and prevention efforts.

Charleston Rises to Combat Human Trafficking: Insights from the 2025 State Report

Charleston, SC – The strength of a community is often measured not just by its economic prosperity but by its commitment to protecting its most vulnerable. In South Carolina, a persistent challenge demanding collective vigilance is human trafficking, a crime that exploits individuals and undermines the fabric of society. The recently released 2025 Annual Human Trafficking Report by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson provides critical insights into the scope of this issue across the state, including significant local data for the Charleston area. This report underscores the importance of entrepreneurial spirit in developing solutions, the resilience of small businesses and non-profits in providing support, and the necessity of thoughtful governance in fostering a safe environment for all residents and visitors to thrive.

The detailed 114-page report offers a comprehensive look at human trafficking trends, investigations, and victim support efforts throughout the Palmetto State. It highlights how collaboration between state agencies, local law enforcement, and dedicated community organizations is crucial in addressing this complex problem. For Charleston, a hub of economic growth and tourism, understanding these trends is vital for continued progress and community well-being. The findings reveal a statewide commitment to confronting this modern form of slavery, with a notable focus on preventative measures and victim care, reflecting a proactive approach to safeguarding human dignity and supporting personal achievement across diverse communities.

State-Level Investigations and Local Impact

The 2025 report indicates that the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) initiated 315 human trafficking tips statewide, involving 323 potential victims. These investigations spanned 41 of the state’s 46 counties, underscoring the pervasive nature of this crime. Alarmingly, 234 of the 323 identified victims were children, highlighting a critical vulnerability among the state’s youth. In the Lowcountry region, 100 tips were reported, demonstrating significant activity in areas including Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties.

Specifically, Charleston County saw 30 investigations, placing it among the counties with the highest numbers statewide. Berkeley County also reported 30 investigations, and Dorchester County had 21 investigations. These numbers, alongside Greenville (35), Richland (28), and Lexington (27) counties, indicate that larger population centers are often focal points for such illicit activities. The data further revealed that 86% of the investigated cases involved sex trafficking.

Proactive Measures and Innovative Partnerships

Amidst these sobering statistics, the report also shines a light on significant advancements in combating human trafficking. South Carolina has emerged as a national leader by implementing a mandatory statewide certification program for specialized human trafficking service providers. This initiative, launched in partnership with the Safe House Project, ensures that organizations offering direct services to survivors meet trauma-informed and standards-driven models. This structured approach reflects a commitment to quality care and a recognition of the complex needs of survivors. Four specialized programs across the state, including some in Greenville, Richland, Berkeley, and Charleston counties, have already received this crucial certification.

The certification program for specialized human trafficking programs in South Carolina is a first-in-the-nation mandate, showcasing a proactive and innovative approach to victim support. This move not only enhances the credibility and effectiveness of service providers like Doors to Freedom, The Formation Project, Jasmine Road, and Lighthouse for Life, but also provides a clear benchmark for others entering this vital field. The presence of certified organizations in Charleston and Berkeley counties is a testament to the local community’s resolve and the entrepreneurial spirit within the non-profit sector to address pressing social challenges effectively and responsibly.

Strengthening Law Enforcement and Community Awareness

The report underscores that confronting human trafficking is a multifaceted endeavor requiring a collaborative response. Attorney General Alan Wilson emphasized that this is not a challenge any single agency can solve alone. This collaborative ethos is evident in the training and outreach efforts undertaken in 2025. The State Task Force completed 54 training events, educating 2,178 trainees. These included four two-day Advanced Law Enforcement training events, which equipped over 160 law enforcement officers and victim advocates with foundational and advanced strategies for addressing both labor and sex trafficking.

In the Lowcountry, the Law Enforcement Subcommittee facilitated eight training events in Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, further bolstering local capabilities. Additionally, State Task Force staff and prosecutors from the Attorney General’s Office delivered 111 presentations statewide, reaching approximately 4,672 attendees. Such widespread education and training are vital for improving victim identification, investigation, and prosecution, reflecting a commitment to equipping law enforcement and community partners with the tools necessary to combat this hidden crime. The emphasis on prevention education, including initiatives like TraffickProofSC for middle and high school students, highlights a long-term strategy to safeguard future generations.

Judicial Outcomes and Future Outlook

In 2025, 54 charges of human trafficking were brought by local and state law enforcement, involving 32 defendants in 12 counties. Of these, 23 counts were related to trafficking adults and 31 counts to trafficking minors. During the same period, 32 human trafficking charges were closed, involving 17 defendants in 13 counties. Seven charges resulted in guilty pleas to human trafficking, leading to the conviction of 4 defendants. While no state-level human trafficking jury trials occurred in 2025, it is notable that five of the 17 defendants whose human trafficking charges were dismissed still pled guilty to other charges as part of plea agreements.

These judicial outcomes demonstrate the complexities of prosecuting human trafficking cases but also reflect ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. The continuous data collection and analysis by the South Carolina Human Trafficking Task Force’s subcommittee are essential for understanding the prevalence of this crime and informing targeted interventions. This rigorous, evidence-based approach is crucial for optimizing resource allocation, supporting innovative programs, and ensuring that policies effectively protect vulnerable individuals and foster a more secure Lowcountry economic growth environment.

Community Vigilance and Economic Resilience

Addressing human trafficking is not solely a governmental responsibility; it requires active engagement from every segment of the community. A vibrant Charleston County economy, fueled by South Carolina entrepreneurs and strong Charleston small businesses, creates legitimate opportunities that can help reduce vulnerabilities often exploited by traffickers. Education and awareness within neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces serve as powerful deterrents. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, understand the signs of trafficking, and report suspicious activities to authorities or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

The collaborative spirit seen in the Safe House Certification Program and statewide training initiatives reflects a broader understanding that a secure and prosperous community is built on collective action and a commitment to shared values. By supporting local businesses that uphold ethical practices and engaging with community organizations dedicated to victim support and prevention, individuals can contribute significantly to the ongoing fight against human trafficking, ensuring Charleston remains a place where personal achievement and safety are paramount.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 South Carolina Human Trafficking Report

What is the 2025 South Carolina Annual Human Trafficking Report?

The 2025 South Carolina Annual Human Trafficking Report is a detailed document released by Attorney General Alan Wilson, providing a comprehensive overview of human trafficking investigations, victim statistics, and statewide efforts to combat the crime in South Carolina during 2025.

How many human trafficking investigations were there in South Carolina in 2025?

In 2025, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) investigated 315 human trafficking tips statewide.

How many potential human trafficking victims were identified in South Carolina in 2025?

There were 323 potential human trafficking victims identified in South Carolina in 2025.

What percentage of human trafficking cases in South Carolina involved sex trafficking in 2025?

In 2025, 86% of the human trafficking cases investigated across South Carolina involved sex trafficking.

Which South Carolina counties had the most human trafficking investigations in 2025?

Greenville County led with 35 investigations, followed by Berkeley and Charleston counties with 30 each, Richland with 28, Lexington with 27, and Dorchester with 21.

Is South Carolina doing anything innovative to combat human trafficking?

Yes, South Carolina is the first state in the nation to implement a mandatory statewide certification program for specialized human trafficking service providers. This program, launched in partnership with the Safe House Project, ensures trauma-informed and standards-driven care for survivors.

Key Features of the 2025 South Carolina Human Trafficking Report

Feature	Detail	Scope
Total Investigations (Tips)	315	State-level
Total Potential Victims	323	State-level
Minor Victims Identified	234	State-level
Counties with Investigations	41 out of 46	State-level
Percentage Involving Sex Trafficking	86%	State-level
Human Trafficking Charges Brought	54 (involving 32 defendants)	State-level
Human Trafficking Charges Closed	32 (involving 17 defendants)	State-level
New Initiatives	First-in-nation statewide Safe House Certification Program for service providers.	State-level / Nationwide
Charleston County Investigations	30	Local (Charleston County)
Berkeley County Investigations	30	Local (Berkeley County)
Dorchester County Investigations	21	Local (Dorchester County)