NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee Governor Bill Lee has proclaimed July 28 through August 3rd as Human Trafficking Awareness Week in Tennessee. Today the Red Sand Project was held at Public Square Park in Nashville to raise awareness.
Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing crime on the planet after drug trafficking. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, today an estimated 40.3 million people are being trafficked worldwide, including an estimated 94 children each month here in Tennessee.
The Tennessee Department of Health wants people to learn about risk factors, red flags and resources for human trafficking to be part of the solution, and possibly help save a life.
Participating agencies that showed up today included the Tennessee Dept. of Health, Davidson County District Attorney's Office, Davidson County Juvenile Court, Metro office of Family Safety, and YWCA.
The Red Sand Project allowed people to pour red sand into the cracks of the sidewalk to draw attention to the human trafficking victims who fall through the cracks every day.
If you know someone who needs help to escape trafficking, contact the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484.
If you suspect you have come into contact with a victim of human trafficking, you may call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233722. Hotline staff members will identify resources in your community.
