The month of January is human trafficking awareness month and in light of recent events, we spoke with officials about the signs to look out for. Erie, Pennsylvania, is considered a hot spot for human trafficking because not only are we close to the borders, but there are many highways that pass through.

“Human trafficking in the eyes of the FBI, it’s not just involving the sex trade, it’s not just involving forced labor, it is people moving people for financial gain,” FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge, Christopher Giordano, told us, explaining that human trafficking can take several forms, including organ trafficking, forced labor and prostitution.

Federal, state law enforcement raid two Erie County spas

Within the past year, three local establishments were raided after allegedly being involved in human sex trafficking, two of which were just raided yesterday.

State Representative Regina Young’s House Bill 1286 will mandate human trafficking awareness training for Pennsylvania workers in the hospitality industry. “The more we normalize these conversations, the more we give people the platform to let them know courage can happen anywhere, right. The more we allow them to understand, education really is the bottom line, the more we educate people on what to do, what to look out for, what is considered weird right,” Representative Regina Young said, emphasizing how impactful this bill can be. House Bill 1286 was passed by the Pennsylvania House last month and is now waiting to be approved by the Senate.

Ice dunes form on Presque Isle, park rangers urge visitors to stay away

In Erie, there are resources available for victims like the Erie Crime Victims Center. The director, Dr. Paul Lukach, said that they help victims in all areas free of charge. In regards to the recent raids he gave this advice, “When your in a public place or in a massage parlor which you think is legitimate, or a nail care place that you think is legitimate, and no ones talking to you and the workers wont look you in the eye that’s a tell tale sign that this is really odd,” he said. He also mentioned that truck rest stops are a hot spot for trafficking and that you should always be aware of your surroundings when travelling.

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