Around the world, human trafficking is an egregious crime that continues to increase in magnitude, thereby demanding systemic and concerted action against it.

If this form of modern-day slavery proceeds at its current rate, it will soon surpass the illegal gun and drug trades. While arms and narcotics can only sell one time, traffickers can unfortunately sell human beings time and time again.

Thankfully, there are non-profit organizations like A21 that dedicate themselves to fighting human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern-day slavery.

While A21 has many chapters around the world and here in the United States, one of its most recent chapters can be found in the Tampa + St. Pete area of Florida.

A closer look at the A21 Tampa + St. Pete chapter

Nationwide, Florida ranks as the state with the third-highest rates of human trafficking. In Florida, the Tampa area is especially rife with this crime.

Organizations like A21 Tampa + St. Pete therefore strive to raise awareness about the problem and ultimately combat human trafficking via intervention and aftercare.

As it works to combat human trafficking, A21 Tampa + St. Pete is attending various events in the community, such as the Bubbles Mini Market and Sarasota Women in Business.

The first step towards eradicating this crime in hotspots like Tampa, St. Pete, and Florida at large is public awareness. After all, if people don't know about human trafficking and aren't discussing it, there's no hope of actually defeating it.

Stay tuned for more

To keep up with A21 Tampa + St. Pete, you can follow their Instagram page here.

Currently, the organization is taking sign-ups for its annual Walk For Freedom. This is a free event where people walk together, hold signs about human trafficking, and raise awareness in their communities.

Using the Instagram page's call or message button(s), you can get in touch with A21 Tampa + St. Pete, learn more information, and also get involved.

Amid the rise of human trafficking, having as many hands on deck as possible is a necessity to end this crime. A21 will not rest until the enslavement of human beings no longer stains the world.

There's no time like the present to join the fight.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.