Over the past week, local residents had the opportunity to better understand the impacts of human trafficking through the eyes and stories of those whose lives have been most affected by it.
SOS partnered with I-Empathize, a Colorado-based human trafficking awareness organization, to bring a special apathy exhibit to the Emporia State Memorial Union. The interactive exhibit detailed the realities of human trafficking through photography, artifacts and videos showcasing examples of human trafficking from around the world.
Often the topic of human trafficking stirs up images of children being snatched off the streets of third-world countries and impoverished communities far from our homes. However; SOS Human Trafficking Victim Advocate Cherie Crisp says the issue is actually much closer to home than many realize.
I-Empathize Exhibit Outreach Coordinator Mark Brende says the exhibit is an important tool for educating citizens across the nation.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, of the $150 billion generated through human trafficking annually, $32 billion is generated in the United States with $28 billion related to sex trafficking.
In 2019 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 22,326 human trafficking victims and survivors, 4,384 traffickers and over 11,000 situations. So far 92 cases of trafficking have been identified in Kansas this year.
If you believe you have witnessed signs of human trafficking or know of someone who has been a victim contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 888-373-7888.
Photos by Tagan Trahoon/KVOE News
{gallery}SOS Apathy Exhibit{/gallery}
