Local conference shines light on human trafficking

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Ending modern-day slavery in the Central Valley was the focus of a conference on Friday at Children's Hospital Central California.

The purpose of the fifth annual gathering was to educate service providers, prosecutors and law enforcement about the signs of human trafficking. Organizers say individuals are bought, sold and forced to work against their will with little or no pay. After the conference, organizers and survivors offered hope.

"We've also been able to identify 146 victims of human trafficking in our region, and with that the youngest one was the age of 12, the oldest one being age 50," said CVAHT program coordinator Ronna Bright.

"It's OK to stand up and speak, it's OK to reach out for help because there are people ready and waiting for them to help them out of that situation," said Jamelia Hinds, a survivor of human trafficking.

The conference was hosted by Fresno EOC in partnership with Central Valley Freedom Coalition.

You can help stop human trafficking. Call the anonymous tip line at (559) 621-5950.