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Gov. Greg Abbott

Texas' 'Can You See Me?' campaign takes aim at child sex trafficking

 Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s new “Can You See Me” child trafficking campaign is aimed at capturing everyone’s attention.

As part of the campaign, the state’s Child Trafficking Team, along with partners A21 and the Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas, recently unveiled a billboard to help the public in identifying telltale signs. 

"Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise on earth," Andrea Sparks, director of the Child Sex Trafficking team, told the Caller Times. "We need to do more to protect victims and we need every Texan to help."

With the University of Texas estimating that there are now more than 300,000 survivors of human trafficking spread across the state, Sparks said part of the plan is to make sure survivors, victims and potential targets alike all know that they have the undivided attention of the entire state.

"We need all Texans to say, 'yes, Texas sees you,' and to post on social media with the hashtag '#TexasSeesYou,' she said. “And by the way traffickers, exploiters and buyers, Texas sees you too, and we are coming after you."

According to the state’s website, signs of trouble in the lives of young people can range from changes in school attendance, habits, friend groups, vocabulary, demeanor and attitude. Other indicators can include anything from the sudden appearance of expensive items, provocative pictures posted online, tattoos, older boyfriends or girlfriends and frequent runaway episodes.

Anyone with information about a child possibly being in danger is encouraged to call the toll-free National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

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