Many think it only happens in New York, Los Angles or Miami. But according to Michelle Herman, human trafficking is happening in the Kansas City metro area too.
"When we think about the sex trade, we automatically think about prostitution and going across state lines. We think that doesn't happen here. It can happen anywhere," said Herman.
Herman is the president and CEO of the Sunflower House, a nonprofit advocacy and abuse prevention center that services Wyandotte and Johnson counties.
From April to December of last year, the Sunflower House helped six girls, each a victim of trafficking and sexual exploitation. The youngest victim was 10 years old.
"We just see so many children that are vulnerable," Herman said.
Predators are targeting these children and teens at shopping malls, schools and through social media.
How can you keep you and your children safe online?
- Make all social media profiles private.
- Do not accept friend requests or messages from strangers.
- Turn off geo-tagging, especially for pictures.
What are possible signs to look out for, for human trafficking?
- Changes in behavior, including disappearing for lengths of time
- Mood swings
- Eating disorders
- Gifts from an older stranger
- Befriending an older stranger, calling them a boyfriend, girlfriend or just a friend
- Unexplained injuries or bruising
What are some tools and resources for sex trafficking?
- National Center for Missing and Exploited Children
- Polaris Project
- Local law enforcement
- Kansas City Division of Federal Bureau of Investigation
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