DMV Spotlight on March 1st, 2026 shines a light on the often hidden crime of human sex and labor trafficking. Ambassador Susan Esserman, Founder and CEO of the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors says human trafficking is very prevalent in the DC Metro area because of the 95 corridor and access to three international airports. Esserman says victims are offered comprehensive services and often get trapped in trafficking via romantic outreaches that initially provide for the victims needs but soon becomes a trap.

Esserman also noting the unique trafficking that takes place within diplomatic households in the DC area where diplomats bring residents from their native land and essentially  make them work for free, often in harsh conditions. The SAFE Center provides comprehensive legal, emotional, health and job placement services to help free victims. Esserman also notes two new laws in Prince George’s and Montgomery County aimed at banning companies tied to trafficking from doing business with local government.

Learn More: https://umdsafecenter.org/

Read More: https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/16/labor-sex-traffcking-crime/

DMV Spotlight on March 1st, 2026 shines a light on the often hidden crime of human sex and labor trafficking. Ambassador Susan Esserman, Founder and CEO of the University of Maryland SAFE Center for Human Trafficking Survivors says human trafficking is very prevalent in the DC Metro area because of the 95 corridor and access to three international airports. Esserman says victims are offered comprehensive services and often get trapped in trafficking via romantic outreaches that initially provide for the victims needs but soon becomes a trap.
Esserman also noting the unique trafficking that takes place within diplomatic households in the DC area where diplomats bring residents from their native land and essentially &nbsp;make them work for free, often in harsh conditions. The SAFE Center provides comprehensive legal, emotional, health and job placement services to help free victims. Esserman also notes two new laws in Prince George&rsquo;s and Montgomery County aimed at banning companies tied to trafficking from doing business with local government.
Learn More:&nbsp;<a href="https://umdsafecenter.org/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="0">https://umdsafecenter.org/</a>
Read More:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/16/labor-sex-traffcking-crime/" data-auth="NotApplicable" data-linkindex="1">https://www.baltimoresun.com/2026/02/16/labor-sex-traffcking-crime/</a>

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the issues impacting DC, Maryland and Virginia. The 15-minute interview program allows for in-depth discussion with area leaders and to highlight organizations that are making a difference across the DMV. Interviews include newsmakers, non-profits, local officials and special event coverage. WMAL’s Barbara Britt hosts the weekly program that is designed to provide needed information for listeners across the DC Metro area and beyond.

DMV Spotlight shines a light on the issues impacting DC, Maryland and Virginia. The 15-minute interview program allows for in-depth discussion with area leaders and to highlight organizations that are making a difference across the DMV. Interviews include newsmakers, non-profits, local officials and special event coverage. WMAL’s Barbara Britt hosts the weekly program that is designed to provide needed information for listeners across the DC Metro area and beyond.