Local event shares how to identify human trafficking, provides resources to attendees

JACKSON, Tenn. — One community event aims to educate the public on the dangers of human trafficking.

Tuesday’s event was held at the Westwood Community Center in west Jackson.

Representatives from the Madison County Sheriff’s Office, the Scarlet Rope Project, and the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation spoke about identifying human trafficking and resources for those affected.

Guest speakers also spoke about the true nature of human trafficking.

“In reality what it looks like is traffickers prey on vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities can include poverty, substance abuse, just mental health issues, anything along those lines and the list goes on and on. So, what they do is prey on that. And they’re like, ‘Hey. I’ll provide this roof over your head if you provide this service for me or I’ll provide your drug fix if you do this service for me,” said Ashlee Allison, marketing and special events coordinator for the Scarlet Rope Project.

After the event, they took part in the Red Sand Project, which symbolizes the victims that fell through the cracks and are often forgotten.

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