By The Associated Press Rachel D'Oro AP

11:34 a.m. AKST, November 5, 2012
ANCHORAGE, Alaska—

A new task force on sex trafficking in Alaska is scheduled to hold a public hearing Monday afternoon in Anchorage to discuss a problem authorities say is notoriously underreported.
   
The state task force, which also plans a December public hearing in Bethel, aims to gauge the prevalence of human trafficking and prostitution, as well as services available to help victims.
   
The task force was created earlier this year by legislation unanimously passed by state lawmakers.
   
The legislation calls for harsher penalties for sex trafficking. The legislation also calls for removing the label of "prostitute" from victims and changing court procedures to expedite justice and make the process easier on victims.
   
Authorities say shame and fear of repercussions are factors that lead to sex trafficking going unreported.

Monday's hearing begins at 2 p.m. with public testimony starting at 5 p.m. at the Anchorage Legislative Information Office at 716 West 4th Avenue, Room 220.