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How Texas agencies are stepping up to stop human trafficking

Texas ranks second in the U.S. for the number of reported cases of human trafficking – so more state agencies are getting involved.

AUSTIN, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott declared this month to be Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and several state agencies are stepping in to assist.

TxDOT plans to do human trafficking awareness training with its maintenance crews next week. It will also train its "HERO" drivers, who stop to help people stuck on the side of the road.

RELATED: Attorney General's Office teams up with Uber to stop human trafficking

The goal of the training is to make highway workers aware of what to watch for to stop trafficking.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation created a new eight-person anti-trafficking unit that will work with local and federal law enforcement to investigate potential cases of trafficking at massage businesses and nail salons.

In the past three months, Gov. Abbott’s Child Sex Trafficking Team has awarded $26 million to programs that help prevent trafficking and support victims.

RELATED:

Texas agency introduces new way to report illicit massage businesses, potential human trafficking

Gov. Abbott pardons human trafficking survivor

Last year, Texas First Lady Cecelia Abbott launched the "Can You See Me?" campaign, with billboards in 70 Texas cities to help people see the signs of trafficking and know how to report it.

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