For quite some time, the need for more anti-human trafficking laws and action has been readily apparent. After all, studies and data continue to show a rise in human trafficking, rather than a decline.

Thankfully, more law enforcement bodies are engaging in sting operations to catch human traffickers, along with their buyers who are equally as culpable. Sting operations consequently stop dangerous criminals and spare people who would have later suffered.

Far too often, the dismissal of buyers' insidious role in human trafficking occurs; yet, it is this demand provided by buyers of traffickers that leads to human beings sold for sex, labor, organs, etc.

Thankfully, New York has recently adopted new measures to fight human trafficking.

A closer look at New York's anti-human trafficking efforts

In the Empire State, new laws require workers in the transportation and hospitality industries to receive very specific training.

The purpose of this training is to inform employees about services designed to help victims of human trafficking. Furthermore, some employees in these industries must now receive training to increase their overall awareness of human trafficking.

Laws signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul also make it so that places like bus terminals, airports, truck stops, and establishments serving alcohol put up signage about human trafficking, along with the hotline one can call for assistance.

The specific nature of human trafficking training that many New York workers must receive is going to include the following pointers:

• Recognizing victims of human trafficking
• The legal definition of human trafficking
• How employees can report human trafficking if they believe they're witnessing it
• The ins and outs of human trafficking

Workers covered under this law must receive training on human trafficking by November 20, 2023. Hochul's laws will officially go into effect on July 20, 2023.

Additionally, employers responsible for the aforementioned training must likewise keep records that prove each of their workers went through all courses.

An example for other states to follow

New York's incoming laws that inform workers in certain industries about human trafficking, along with how to report it, remain much-needed nationwide.

All 50 states across the country should be educating staffers on how to spot, recognize, and also report human trafficking.

Unfortunately, ignorance and silence about the buying and selling of others enables human traffickers. By contrast, when the community is collectively aware of human trafficking, it can subsequently take measures to push back.

America is heralded as the land of the free. Coming together to ensure no human being is bought or sold is the least we can do as a nation.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.