Around the world and even throughout all 50 states, human trafficking persists as an insidious evil that eats away at people's lives. Recent years have led to heightened public attention towards this crisis; however, much more awareness remains very much necessary.

Thankfully, groups like Operation Underground Railroad and Slavery Free World continue playing major roles in raising attention. Then, efforts are occurring in Mississippi, Pennsylvania, Florida, and other states.

It's vital for the general public to be as conscious of human trafficking (and how to fight human trafficking) as they are of other issues that repeatedly make mainstream news.

Thankfully, Wyoming is helping to lead this charge with new actions to increase the overall understanding of human trafficking.

A closer look at Wyoming's efforts to combat human trafficking

The Wyoming-based group known as Uprising is partnering with the following groups and businesses to increase the public's knowledge about human trafficking:

• University of Wyoming
• Wyoming Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC)
• Soroptimist International of Larami

Over the remainder of the current week, conversations and panels will occur featuring survivors of human trafficking, along with various human trafficking experts.

Terri Markham, the executive director of Uprising, shared some vital information about the panel and conversations to come. Per Markham, this work's purpose is to let the public know more about human trafficking and the extent to which is happens in Wyoming.

The executive director then explained that many people throughout the state lack comprehension of how prevalent this crime truly is.

General information about human trafficking

The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime documents that 79% of human trafficking encompasses sexual servitude. Furthermore, 18% of human trafficking entails forced labor.

Across the world, kids also make up about 20% of human trafficking victims. Unfortunately, existing evidence shows this number could be rising. Since COVID hit, more and more children are spending time online, playing video games, and on social media sites.

Traffickers use each of these forums and more to find victims to exploit.

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.