NORFOLK, Va. — There's a new effort coming to Hampton Roads to put a spotlight on the world's fastest-growing criminal industry.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and this year is already busy for Tori Jones and her team at Freekind.
"Just this year, we've identified 76 new victims," said Jones, who is the company's community engagement manager.
The Hampton-based organization aims to prevent human trafficking by educating youth and advocating for survivors. They support people in almost two dozen states, but in Hampton Roads alone, they support 174 clients per month.
"We really want people to start looking behind what it may appear," said Jones.
With $150 billion and 28 million victims worldwide, law enforcement officials say human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry.
Yet, Jones says many people, even victims, don't know what it looks like.
For instance, she says more than 40% of incidents involve intimate relationships, and many victims are in jail for the crimes of their abuser.
"There's a quote I like to use from a survivor that says, 'No one came looking for me because I didn't go missing,'" she said.
To help others see the big picture, they're hitting the big stage.
On February 14, Freekind is inviting people to a stage play, Lived Through This, based on a book detailing the stories of survivors.
The event is a partnership with The Voices and Faces Project and the Virginia Stage Company.
A panel discussion and an opportunity to connect with community advocates will follow the production. The book's author, Anne K. Ream will also be present.
Jones said a big step is making sure the people know what to spot, so they can call for help.
"I think sometimes we see these things that seem off to us or we're judging, we need to start reporting it," she said.
Lived Through This starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Wells Theatre in Downtown Norfolk. Tickets can be found here.
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, you can report it using a 24/7 hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
You can also text the Virginia State Police tip line anonymously at 847411.