One of the most underground crimes plaguing our world, and this country, today is human trafficking.

Human trafficking is when individuals are forced or coerced against their will into labor or sexual exploitation.

It is the second largest criminal industry in the world, with an estimated 27 million people worldwide in what is akin to modern-day slavery.

This global epidemic is also one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, estimated to be a $32 billion industry – making it second only to the illegal drug industry.

Human trafficking occurs in the United States, in our Commonwealth, and in cities, counties and small towns.

It is a dark, little-discussed industry which targets multiple demographics but largely focuses on young, disenchanted individuals who may be homeless or runaways and are more easily ensnared in the industry.

Due to its pervasive nature and rapid growth, it is imperative we all learn more about this crime so we can help thwart those who would target our citizens.

February was Human Trafficking Awareness month, and I took part in supporting and bringing attention to this crime through my co-sponsorship of a House resolution drawing attention to this crime.

With human trafficking on the rise, in Pennsylvania, the General Assembly has changed laws in 2012 to require posting of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline in strategic locations across the state where victims and potential tipsters are most likely to see it.

Comprehensive anti-trafficking legislation, known as Act 105, became law in 2014, and improves Pennsylvania’s human trafficking laws to be of better assistance to law enforcement.

Act 105 also strengthens protections for victims and permits them to file suit against their traffickers.

However, there is still much work to do in order to protect the people of Pennsylvania from this heinous crime.

Children in Pennsylvania, who are under the age of 18 and are victims of sex trafficking, can still be charged with the crime of prostitution as well as related crimes.

This is why we need to focus our attention on safe harbor legislation, which seeks to decriminalize child sex trafficking victims.

Many states throughout the country have enacted safe harbor laws already, but Pennsylvania has not.

It is time for our Commonwealth to join the growing movement to decriminalize children who are sex trafficking victims and to provide them with the support and resources they need and deserve.

It is critical we keep abreast as to the changes in this criminal industry, and learn what the Legislature can do to combat these horrific crimes.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, or you witness a situation in which you believe human trafficking is taking place, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or go online to TraffickingResourceCenter.org.

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Editor’s Note: State Rep. Julie Harhart represents the 183rd Legislative District.