BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration awarded grant funding to five Massachusetts prosecutor's offices to increase their capacity to investigate and prosecute human trafficking while improving services for victims of exploitation.

 

"For the past eight years, our administration has focused on supporting a comprehensive approach to combatting human trafficking, and we are proud to sustain that effort with these latest grants. This grant funding aims to further ensure that law enforcement and service providers are equipped to provide victims with the help they need while holding accountable those who would commit these traumatic crimes," said Governor Charlie Baker.

 

The Berkshire County District Attorney's Office received $97,000.

 

The 2023 Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program was announced in September of this year. The program supports efforts by district attorneys and their law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute human trafficking, strengthen community relationships and expand the use of victim-centered and multi-disciplinary approaches to serving trafficking victims.

 

"Providing trauma-informed, victim-centered services to survivors of exploitation is vital not only to rebuilding lives, but to building the relationships necessary to hold accountable those who commit these crimes. These funds help ensure that prosecutors have the resources necessary to combat human trafficking in our communities," said Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito.

 

Funding is being awarded to the Berkshire County District Attorney, Hampden County District Attorney, Middlesex County District Attorney, Plymouth County District Attorney and Suffolk County District Attorney. The funded programs will build upon the success of pilot programs launched in the Hampden County District Attorney and Worcester County District Attorney offices through the FFY 2019 Improving Outcomes for Child and Youth Victims of Human Trafficking Grant. These federal funds were awarded by the Office of Victims of Crime (OVC), which is part of the Department of Justice's Office of Justice Programs.

 

In total $485,000 in grant funds were given out.

 

The Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program is administered by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR), a state agency that is a part of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

 

"These funds will ensure that prosecutors and their law enforcement partners have the capacity to protect the most vulnerable members of our community from exploitation. They also allow law enforcement to expand services and strengthen relationships with the communities they serve," said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy.

 

The award recipients are:

 

Recipient Award Amount

 

Hampden County District Attorney's Office $97,000.00

Middlesex County District Attorney's Office $97,000.00

Plymouth County District Attorney's Office $97,000.00

Suffolk County District Attorney's Office $97,000.00

Total $485,000.00