Local Organization Raises Awareness for Human Trafficking

Nearly 17,000 cases of human trafficking are reported each year in the United States.

One local organization is raising awareness for human trafficking, while remembering those who have fallen victim. On Friday, members of “Anchored For Justice” released balloons at the Muskingum County Jail to remember those lost in our community.

“Today is a day that we have chosen to release balloons in memory of some of the girls who have been found deceased, and also the missing woman from Zanesville, Barbara Frame, she’s been gone for 30 years, so we hope to take this day to release these balloons, and hopefully it will give attention to these cases,” said Lilly Paisley, founder of “Anchored For Justice.”

Human trafficking is a $34 billion industry worldwide. Paisley said “Anchored For Justice” aims to rescue and restore human trafficking victims, while educating the public on this growing issue.

“I just think it’s important that we not only educate the community, but we’re also there for the victims, and that’s why we have these gift bags that we go on the streets and hand to some of the girls, and in these gift bags are just personal items that they would need, that they wouldn’t normally have the money to go purchase.” Paisley said.

Paisley said they also put a phone number inside of the bags for the victims to call in case they are in danger. Friday evening, “Anchored For Justice” will host “Walk for Justice” in downtown Zanesville. For more information, visit anchoredforjustice.com.