Local organization raises awareness of sex trafficking

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- A local organization is on a mission to raise awareness on what’s now being called the modern day slavery.

January is sex traffick awareness month and the Soroptimist Club of Zanesville is doing their part to help raise awareness. The group says over 800 thousand women and children are sold into sex slavery each year making sex trafficking the “second largest criminal industry in the world”. Soroptimist President, Lynn McGlade, said sex trafficking affects us here in Zanesville and there are several signs you can look for.

“You think it’s just..trafficking is just in other countries. No. It’s right here in Zanesville. It’s right in our community. And if you know the signs maybe you can help prevent that,” said McGlade.

McGlade said there are several signs the public can look for in possible victims. Some signs include bruises, provocative clothing, or tattoos on the neck which are used to brand victims.

“Maybe somebody’s not looking directly at you, looking you in the eye. Maybe a man or a boy is behind them and not letting them speak,” McGlade said. “And maybe they’re shy and they need more self-esteem. Women and girls with low self-esteem are usually targeted.”

Next week the group will be distributing information educating the public on sex trafficking and how to prevent it.