A young girl leaving the cab of a rested semi-truck, women sauntering up and down the streets of airport hotels, massage parlors with risqué names — the list goes on and on. Your email address will not be published. The club members want as many students as possible to get informed and get involved. Kansas City, a human trafficking hot spot Photo credit aradaphotography/Getty. All tickets include a champagne toast, high fashion bridal runway show and dessert. Kansas City: A Human Trafficking Hot Spot By Bethany Graham and Kara Walters • UMKC Contributors • News December 3, 2019 at 11:00am In 2018, Polaris identified 14,749 survivors of sex trafficking, and they are confident that this number is underreported. Tagged: UnBridal 2017, One by One Project, Human Trafficking, Lauren Obermueller, COVID-19 Resources LEADERSHIPPARTNERSSHOPBlog, Kansas City — Crossroads for Human Trafficking, Shop Local, Give Local retail line launched to support KC charities. The purpose of this course is to provide attendees with a basic education of how to identify Human Trafficking the characteristics of victims and perpetrators, the mechanism of operations, and assessments of trends. January has been designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month and during this event all proceeds will go to support the One by One Project. The University News is published on Tuesdays by students of the University of Missouri-Kansas City. According to the Missouri School Counselor Association, the US Attorney’s Office in Western Missouri has prosecuted more cases involving human trafficking than any other US district. Approximately 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States each year. Worldwide, it is a $150 billion criminal industry and it is found in every state of the United States. But unbeknownst to many, it's a list that's all too familiar to Kansas City. As a social worker, I have been trained in how to look for and identify human trafficking victims. The organization also states that KC is one of the top U.S. cities for domestic sex trafficking of minors. Clad in lingerie and lace, the women dance in the windows like puppies in a pet store display. It exists on our streets, in our community and sometimes in our very homes, and the time has come to stand up and fight. Photo courtesy of publicdomainpictures.net. Due to the intersection of east-west and north-south interstates, the area is uniquely situated for access to larger cities such as Chicago, St. Louis, Minneapolis, Denver and others. It made me want to help.”. These numbers are staggering, but you can help fight this horrific crime. Along with volunteering and planning events with the Restoration House, the club members watch documentaries and read survivor stories. By Rebecca Crockett. As many as 300,000 children in the US are at risk for sexual exploitation on a yearly basis. This non-profit organization provides pre- and post- care services as well as connection resources for victims of human trafficking. One UMKC founded club aims to raise awareness about human trafficking in the Kansas City area. Once you know the signs, the frequency in which you notice these situations is appalling. The purpose of the club is to raise awareness about human trafficking in Kansas City and to prevent further exploitation. Their hope as an organization is to grow, flourish and educate. But unbeknownst to many, it's a list that's all too familiar to Kansas City. In the future, they want to have more events to raise awareness and help open up more safe houses for victims. Additional copies may be purchased for $1 each, payable at the University News office in advance. Kansas Attorney General's Website. This is the image we think of when we talk about human trafficking, but it's not the always the full picture. Unbridal is a winter fête and benefit event, which highlights local designers and wedding professionals on Jan. 26-27, 2017. Missouri is in a prime location for human trafficking because it is in the center of the country with vast highway access and two international airports. Raising awareness about human trafficking in Kansas City is important to the club, but raising awareness that the club exists is also important. Instructor: Tomas Tundidor Dates: March 2-4, 2020 Time: 8am - 4:30pm (8-Noon on 3/4) Location: Kansas City Regional Police Academy Investment: $295 with Digital Manual or $320 with Printed Manual Human trafficking exists in the United States and can be considered Modern Day Slavery. They are fooled into thinking this is the only way to survive. The average age of a victim of human trafficking is 12 to 14 years old, and 80 percent of victims end up being sold for sexual exploitation. Human trafficking exists in the United States and can be considered Modern Day Slavery. Worldwide, it is a $150 billion criminal industry and it is found in every state of the United States. Subscriptions are available for the cost of postage, $25 a year. It is an exploitation of vulnerability. Nancy Lee agreed and said, “Seeing the young victims was scary. Required fields are marked *. Once you know the signs, the frequency in which you notice these situations is appalling. Impact – Human Trafficking was created in the fall of 2015 by the Christian College Ministry, an organization that seeks to not only educate about various causes today but give students the opportunity to make an impact. Try volunteering at a nearby women’s shelter, raise awareness by writing to your local legislator, or attend an event like UnBridal to help financial support the struggle. Wilson explained that human trafficking is not just kidnapping women into sex trade. Backlit by bright flashing lights, these females are followed by men in shadows who prowl from window to window, looking for the best deal possible. One UMKC founded club aims to raise awareness about human trafficking in the Kansas City area. As a social worker, I have been trained in how to look for and identify human trafficking victims. The club has partnered with Restoration House of Greater Kansas City, an organization that provides treatment and long-term, residential living for victims of sex trafficking. The course will also provide case studies and Investigative techniques and trends. This makes it extremely convenient for traffickers to recruit and transport victims. This midwest metropolis holds one of the highest rates of human trafficking prosecutions in the United States, according to Shared Hope International. “I was shocked and wanted to get involved when I found out Kansas City is one of the top five locations for human trafficking,” said Adriana Bonham. Copyright © 2020, Carterson Public Safety Group, Inc. Restoration House of Greater Kansas City is a long-term faith-based residential recovery program for adult women survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation. We need to take off our blinders about human trafficking and understand that it doesn't just occur in the Red Light Districts of foreign lands. Location: Kansas City Regional Police Academy, Investment: $295 with Digital Manual or $320 with Printed Manual. Tickets are $150 for night one, $75 for night two. For more information about human trafficking and upcoming events, check out the Facebook page at facebook.com/impacthumantrafficking.hdownie@unews.com, Your email address will not be published. In addition, it touches on the obstacles law enforcement officials must overcome - the substantial legal, cultural, and organizational barriers while investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases.