JACKSON, Tenn. – The Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department hosted a Red Sand Project event Thursday morning to raise awareness of human trafficking.
The Red Sand Project is a collaborative art installation designed to shed light on human trafficking.
Participants pour red sand in sidewalk cracks to draw attention to trafficking victims who “fall through the cracks” of society. The Health Department partnered with WRAP and the Scarlet Rope Project in the effort.
Human trafficking is a crime in which force, fraud or coercion is used to compel a person to perform labor, services or commercial sex. It affects all populations: adults, children, men, women, foreign nationals and U.S. citizens, and all economic classes. Human trafficking is the second fastest-growing criminal industry behind drug trafficking, according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
“By increasing awareness of this hidden crime that is happening in Tennessee communities, we hope to make a difference in the lives of victims,” said Franchesca Perry, health educator with the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department.
Trafficking victims may suffer from an array of physical and psychological health issues stemming from inhumane living conditions, inadequate nutrition, or brutal physical and emotional attacks at the hands of their traffickers.
Health issues seen in trafficking victims include:
- Undetected or untreated diseases, including sexually transmitted infections
- Infertility due to chronically untreated sexually transmitted infections
- Malnourishment and serious dental problems.
- Substance abuse problems or addictions
There are several signs to look for if you believe someone is being trafficked:
- Has injuries or other signs of abuse
- Unusually anxious, fearful or submissive
- Accompanied by someone who seems to control their every move
- Claims to be an adult, though their appearance suggests adolescence
- Has an unexplained, sudden increase in money, clothing, or possessions like jewelry without explanation
- Branded or marked with a tattoo, such as a man’s name, money symbol or bar code
To report suspected trafficking, call the Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-855-558-6484.
