Stopping Human Trafficking in the Tri Cities
TRI CITIES -- It sounds like something that would only happen in the bigger cities. But authorities say human trafficking is happening right here in the Tri Cities.
Tuesday night, the Soroptomist Club met at the Richland library to find out how to stop it.
Senator Jerome Delvin was also there to lend his support.
Members say most people think trafficking means sending girls overseas for the sex trade. But they were surprised to learn the sex trade could be right here in your own neighborhood.
"We know it's happening in Yakima, we've heard about it in Spokane, so you might assume it's probably happening here in some form or another," says Delvin.
Kennewick is currently prosecuting a human trafficking case, involving four local suspects. Officials say the victims are often sucked into the sex trade around the age of 13.
"If we are willing to open our eyes, and to ask the right questions, we will see it's here in our community." says Soroptomist Club member Tirsa Butler. "These are our children who are being affected."
Tuesday night, the Soroptomist Club met at the Richland library to find out how to stop it.
Senator Jerome Delvin was also there to lend his support.
Members say most people think trafficking means sending girls overseas for the sex trade. But they were surprised to learn the sex trade could be right here in your own neighborhood.
"We know it's happening in Yakima, we've heard about it in Spokane, so you might assume it's probably happening here in some form or another," says Delvin.
Kennewick is currently prosecuting a human trafficking case, involving four local suspects. Officials say the victims are often sucked into the sex trade around the age of 13.
"If we are willing to open our eyes, and to ask the right questions, we will see it's here in our community." says Soroptomist Club member Tirsa Butler. "These are our children who are being affected."
More to Explore
Learn about changes coming to commenting