Truckers Against Trafficking raises awareness in W-B

WILKES-BARRE, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Thursday, state, federal, and local lawmakers and agencies came together to spread awareness about human trafficking through a mobile exhibit.

Human trafficking can happen anywhere, and Thursday’s event brought awareness to that fact.

Starting back in 2009, Truckers Against Trafficking , otherwise known as TAT, trains truck drivers to recognize and report instances of human trafficking.

“Truck drivers are the ones we needed to start with because they are the eyes and ears of the roadways. They are up and down the highways. They are potentially in places that they could come into contact with victims of human trafficking,” explained Brandy Belton, Director of Freedom Driver Project, TAT.

With the help of sponsors like McCarthy Tire and Bridgestone, the Truckers Against Trafficking Freedom Drivers Project makes stops to places like Wilkes-Barre aiming to give the public the same tools as truck drivers.

“So it’s a one of a kind mobile exhibit that I travel all over the United States and Canada now just to bring some awareness education on what human trafficking is and how it can present itself,” noted Belton.

The mobile exhibit is a powerful one stop shop of information.

“Behind me is this beautiful trailer where people can go in and see remnants of victims of human trafficking, and learn what they can do,” commented Wyoming County District Attorney (R.) Joe Peters.

“You might happen to see something once you are educated and say that might be a sign of human trafficking. Let me make that call because you never know that one phone call and potentially save someone’s life,” explained Belton.

And experts say if you see something, say something.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.