Gaydos Invites Residents, Parents to Join the Fight Against Human Trafficking

July 30, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny), a member of the Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking (AHT) Caucus, is inviting residents to attend a free community event to learn how to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking and help protect vulnerable people, especially children.

The event will be held Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., at the Sewickley Hills Borough Building, 349 Magee Road, Sewickley. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will be the guest speaker.

“Human trafficking happens in communities across Pennsylvania, and many victims are hiding in plain sight,” said Gaydos. “Parents need to know that traffickers are increasingly targeting children through social media, online gaming, false promises of friendship or employment, and by exploiting family or financial hardships. Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference. The more our families and communities understand how traffickers operate, the better equipped we are to protect our children, stop this crime and support victims.”

Hotels, motels and short-term rentals are among the most common places where human trafficking, especially sex trafficking, occurs. Transportation hubs, including airports, also play a role in moving victims, making public awareness and training especially important. Victims may be guests, but they can also be employees working in housekeeping, cleaning services or other support roles. Traffickers also increasingly target children online through social media, gaming platforms and other digital spaces, often using manipulation, false promises and deception to gain their trust before exploiting them.

This year, Gaydos voted for two new laws aimed at cracking down on human trafficking.

• Act 31 of 2026 requires human trafficking awareness training for employees in Pennsylvania's hospitality industry so they can recognize suspicious activity and know how to respond.

• Act 41 of 2026 gives the Pennsylvania Attorney General and law enforcement stronger tools to investigate and prosecute traffickers while increasing penalties for those who exploit vulnerable victims.

“These new laws are an important step forward, but laws alone will not end human trafficking,” said Gaydos. “Protecting our children starts with awareness. When parents, grandparents, teachers, neighbors and community members know what to look for, they’re better prepared to recognize the warning signs and intervene before it’s too late. That’s why I hope families throughout our community will join us for this important discussion.”

The free event will help attendees:

• Understand how traffickers target and exploit children.
• Learn the warning signs of human trafficking.
• Discover practical ways to help protect their families.
• Learn how to report concerns and support victims.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE). In an emergency, call 911.



Representative Valerie Gaydos
44th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437
rleiner@pahousegop.com