TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Knowing the signs of human trafficking. That's the mission of one Big Bend organization with the goal of saving lives.
Organizers say the best way to end human trafficking is through education.
It happens more often than you think.
"Human trafficking is in our area and it definitely is happening more than we know," said Robin Thompson, Executive Director of Survive and Thrive Advocacy Center.
It could be your neighbors, or the person right beside you in the grocery store.
"It is happening potentially under our noses where we are having dinner tonight or driving by a field and people are working or where we are getting our nails done," said Thompson.
Human trafficking is in our community, that's the message STAC wants to bring awareness to.
With education and training, the group's goal is to reduce those being trafficked.
"Once people become aware of what it is, how to report it and what they can do within their community, trafficking will go down," said Mindy Conney, board member of STAC.
Each month the non-profit hosts training and information sessions.
Those who attend learn the signs that someone is in a human trafficking situation.
"Be aware understand that its going on and understand what the red flags are, whether you're in the emergency department at TMH or whether you're at your church on Sunday, there's a chance that you're going to have somebody who might be trafficked or they might know someone and that you can help," said Thompson.
The advocacy center offers monthly training on the third Friday of every month.
If you're interested in learning more, click here.
