Heather Heiman, Human Trafficking Prevention Project Manager at Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service (MVLS), was recently featured in The Florida Catholic, the official newspaper for four dioceses within the Catholic Ecclesiastical Province of Miami. The article highlights how Catholic leaders across Florida are stepping up efforts to combat human trafficking by supporting two key federal bills: the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act (H.R. 2961) and the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act (H.R. 1379).

Heiman, an attorney and dedicated advocate, shared insight into how traffickers lure their victims:

“Traffickers find their victims by promising a sexual interest or help with family support or employment,” she explained.

These legislative efforts aim to enhance protections for victims and provide vital relief for survivors, aligning closely with MVLS’s mission to advocate for vulnerable populations.