In front of the state capitol, volunteers carefully poured red sand into cracks in the sidewalk… representative of victims of human trafficking who have ‘fallen through the cracks’ of society and justice.

“What we understand about human trafficking also shapes what we advocate for,” said Heather Castellino, Chief Deputy Attorney General in Pennsylvania who works with the Human Trafficking Section.

The Red Sand Project started 10 years ago as a way to raise awareness about human trafficking. A group of Pennsylvania advocacy groups, state agencies, and lawmakers hosted today’s event in honor of World Day Against Trafficking Persons (which is July 30).

Globally, human trafficking is one of the largest and most profitable crime industries— with over 27 million people in forced labor around the world and $236 billion in profits from the crime in 2021.

Today’s advocates spoke on ways to end the growing and often under reported crime.

Legislation is one critical piece, like giving the attorney general’s office more jurisdiction and legal paths to use in prosecution.

“Also ensuring that the resources are there. And that's a budget discussion every year, that we can have prosecutors focused on human trafficking,” said Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-87), who attended today’s event along with Rep. Justin Fleming (D-105).

Pennsylvania's Attorney General's Office did get a new $1 million fund for human trafficking enforcement and prevention in the 2024/25 budget.

Rep Kutz said another legal area the state can work on is licensing permits.

"We have these stings where we shut down illicit massage businesses who are trafficking in persons, and they can open right back up because of our licensing laws,” said Kutz. "That's something we need to change."

Advocates also say awareness and education is key.

"People you know, will watch movies like Taken and Sound of Freedom. And while these movies do depict, you know, trafficking situations, it's just not what you see most often in the United States,” said Zozan Kucukaydin, the Anti Human Trafficking Services Coordinator at the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect.

Kucukaydin shared how in the U.S. trafficking can be local and personal.

“Most often survivors know their trafficker very intimately. You know, sometimes it's your friend. Sometimes it's an acquaintance, your romantic partner and even family members,” said Kucukaydin.

She emphasized that the goal of raising awareness is not to fear monger. With trafficking, anything can happen, but it is less likely for someone to get kidnapped at a Giant Eagle or Target as it is to be pulled into a situation through acquaintances.

Finally, advocates today spoke on how human trafficking does not respect geography or class. It takes place in rural, suburban, and urban areas. It happens to both the rich and poor.

With this, it’s critical that all communities be prepared to not just end human trafficking— but stand with those who have been through it

“When we are able to come across victims, we're able to bring them out of trafficking… we need to be there for them as a community,” said Kutz. "We need to be there with them dealing with their trauma. To say we will restore you, allow you to reenter in a way where we remove the stigma from their past abuse.”

There are a multitude of free online education courses about human trafficking. Here are a few below: