GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Advocates for Freedom is an organization committed to raising awareness and slowing the crime of human trafficking in South Mississippi.

The Department of Justice has declared I-10 the main corridor for human trafficking in the United States.

Advocates for Freedom CEO and founder Susie Harvill says, “We are the perfect storm. We have the young soldiers here. We have the waterways where you can get people in and out without being seen, and we have the I-10 corridor.”

Human trafficking is the number two crime worldwide, with at least 42 million victims.

Kerri Helsel of Advocates for Freedom says education is important and there are several signs to look out for when it comes to human trafficking.

“An older man with a very young girl, a kid who doesn’t seem to know where they are or might change their name,” Helsel said.

On November 16, Advocates for freedom organize a fundraiser and awareness event called “Wild West Wingding” at the Southern Oaks site in Gulfport at 6 p.m

It’s a cowboy-themed event with line dancing and a silent auction.

“We need everyone to come together. Have fun, but help support yourself,” Harvill said.

See a spelling or grammar mistake in this story? Report it to our team HERE.

Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.