OBN launches new campaign to help human trafficking victims

OKLAHOMA CITY ( KFOR ) — The Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics launched a new campaign to help victims of human trafficking.

“This is one of the most deplorable crimes that we see and this is obviously a global epidemic that we’re facing,” said Donnie Anderson, the Director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics.

Keith Brown, the Executive Director of Texoma High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area also weighed in on the epidemic Thursday morning.

“Drugs are an illegal commodity that people move for money,” said Brown. “Unfortunately, that’s what human trafficking is. Only the despicable thing about it is the commodity is people.”

Since 2011, OBN has recovered 141 adult victims, 58 juvenile victims, and made 118 human trafficking arrests.

However, the agency believes it can do even more, spearheading the “You Are Not Alone” project.

The goal is to make information about human trafficking more accessible and provide victims resources through a QR code that will be displayed in businesses and schools throughout the state. The code will take you to the human trafficking section of OBN’s website.

Information on the site includes human trafficking signs to look out for, ways to anonymously report it, and resources to help victims.

“We want to put posters on our campus. We want to put stickers in our bathrooms, on the mirrors, the stalls, wherever a vulnerable victim might be who can quickly get the help that they need,” said Mark Woodward, an OBN spokesman.

Along with QR codes leading to vital information, there’s a human trafficking hotline number that’s staffed 24/7. The number is (855) 617-2288.

“Human trafficking cannot thrive when a community is informed, equipped and empowered,” said Melissa Eick, of The Dragonfly Home. “The ‘You Are Not Alone’ campaign is an important step toward achieving this goal.”

Other agencies involved in the effort include:

• Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics
• Department of Corrections
• Alcoholic Beverage Law Enforcement
• Oklahoma Attorney General
• Texoma HIDTA
• Homeland Security Investigations
• Oklahoma Department of Mental Health Substance Abuse and Services
• The Dragonfly Home
• The Spring
• Oklahoma Commission on the Status of Women and Oklahoma Coalition Against Human Trafficking

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