Nick McWilliams reporting – A local non-profit with a focus on ending human trafficking is bringing attention to the yearly awareness month.

January is Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month, with supporters encouraged to wear blue on the 11th for the Department of Homeland Security’s Wear Blue Day.

First recognized in 2008 by President Barack Obama, the month sheds light on the ongoing issue of humans being forced into the illegal trade, with the intent of labor or commercial sex acts.

Locally, Tusc Against Trafficking, which started in 2015, is hoping to share their own tips on identifying trafficking in everyday life, how to assist someone stuck in a trafficking situation, and how it impacts rural communities.

While movies and television often show human trafficking as kidnappings or people being taken off the streets in vans, local instances often involve a person known by the victim.

Residents who suspect someone is stuck in a trafficking situation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, or call COMPASS at (330) 339-1427. 

For more on the local trafficking coalition, visit www.tuscagainsttrafficking.org.

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