Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall visits the Wellhouse in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. Pictured (l-r) Audrey Jordan (an assistant attorney general), Attorney General Steve Marshall, Sarah Green (chief of Attorney General's Office of Victim Services), Ashley Harbin (victim service officer of AG office), Jackie Fowler (victim service officer of AG office), Executive Director Carolyn Potter of WellHouse, Debby Haralson (program operations officer of WellHouse) and Brian Parker (Finance Officer of WellHouse). Photo courtesy of AG office

Attorney General Steve Marshall visited and toured the WellHouse in St. Clair County on Monday, April 9 in observance of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week.  National Crime Victims’ Rights Week is observed April 8-14. This National Campaign is observed in April every year with this year’s theme, “Expand the Circle: Reach All Victims.”

The WellHouse is an organization that provides shelter and services to women who have been victims of human trafficking. Marshall toured several shelters on Monday, April 9 throughout the state to raise awareness and address the needs of victims. Marshall was impressed with the facilities and staff at the WellHouse.

“They provide a unique, but much needed service for the victims of sex trafficking in the area,” Marshall stated.

The Attorney General’s office has worked to combat Sex Trafficking networks on both the National and local level by engaging in discussions and working with Federal partners. He cited the recent Federal shutdown of the website, backpage.com which cut off communication and sex ads for many in the sex trafficking systems.

The Attorney General said, “My office has worked with the US Northern District office and St. Clair County Sheriff, Terry Surles, to bring awareness, training, new tools and to continue to be aggressive against sex traffickers in our area.” Interstates in Alabama, such as I-20  that run through St Clair county have been main veins for sex trafficking in the South. 

Marshall also said that his office has partnered with non-profit organizations to tackle ads that promote these illegal activities, change laws, prosecute offenders and to help locate victims. The Attorney General’s office has worked with the Demand An End Campaign introduced through the Offices of State Attorneys General.  Demand an Endshares information and legislative strategies and implements best practices across the country.

Marshall’s office also has worked with Victims of Crime and Leniency (VOCAL) which  is a non-profit, advocacy group for victims’ rights consisting of concerned citizens, victims of crime and their families, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and others interested in reducing crime and improving the plight of victims.

National Crime Victims’ Rights Weekwill conclude at Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office with a statewide VOCAL Vigil on Friday, April 13 in Montgomery.