JUNEAU -- Gov. Sean Parnell has announced appointments to a task force focused on human trafficking, sex trafficking and prostitution in Alaska.

Michelle DeWitt is executive director of a domestic violence shelter in Bethel and Gwen Adams is a pastor in Anchorage. They are the two members of nongovernmental groups that will round out the task force that also includes state agency representatives.

Recent legislation called for the creation of a task force that would look at the prevalence of trafficking and prostitution, as well as the services available to help victims of those crimes.

Parnell, in a news release, called the task force part of the state's ongoing efforts to increase the safety of Alaska homes and the strength of Alaska families.