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Bondi Announces Anti-Human Trafficking Effort

TAMPA (CBSMiami/AP) — Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has announced a new state initiative in an effort to end human trafficking.

Bondi says the state will place billboards along streets, in malls and on bus shelters to raise awareness of human trafficking.

During a news conference Friday, Bondi announced a statewide program called "From Instant Message to Instant Nightmare," aimed at helping parents spot sexual exploitation of children online.

Bondi says parents and adults can download a tip sheet about internet safety and a pledge for children to sign and print.

According to the state Department of Children and Families Florida is one of the most popular destinations for human traffickers in the U.S. and sex trafficking of young victims is among the most underreported offenses.

The agency started a statewide task force in 2009 because the majority of sex trafficking victims are foster youth.

(TM and © Copyright 2013 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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