Thirty seconds – that’s how often someone becomes a victim of modern day slavery – every 30 seconds. Human trafficking is the fastest growing crime in the world, and unfortunately, it happens a lot closer to home than you may think.

This past week the Brown County Sheriff's Office, with the help of the Green Bay Police Department, Ashwaubenon Public Safety, De Pere Police Department and FBI-Milwaukee, was able to arrest 15 suspects in connection to a nationwide sex trafficking operation, according to WBAY.

The charges for the 15 suspects arrested this past week include Trafficking a Child, Child Enticement, Prostitution, Possession of Methamphetamine and Use of a Computer to Facilitate a Child Sex Crime, according to WBAY.

This past Saturday, I was fortunate enough to participate in A21’s, Walk For Freedom - which was a beyond impactful experience. A21 declares itself as an organization created to abolish injustice in the 21st century through a comprehensive system achieving preventative measures to help potential victims evade trafficking, victim protection through our shelters and aftercare program, prosecution of violators, and strategic partnerships. With over 300 walks in 40 different countries around the world, global citizens were able to make their personal contribution to the cause.

With that being said, here are five things you need to know about human trafficking:

1. Twenty-seven Million People Are Currently Trapped In Slavery Around the Globe

According to A21, there are more slaves in the world today than at any other point in human history, with an estimated 27 million in bondage across the globe. Men, women and children are being exploited for manual and sexual labor against their will.

2. Only 1-2% of Victims Are Ever Rescued

According to A21, only 1 to 2 percent of human trafficking victims are ever rescued and less than 1 percent of traffickers are ever convicted. Many victims often go unidentified and are simply invisible as a result.

3. The Average Age of a Trafficking Victim is 12-years-old

The average age a teen enters the sex trade in the U.S. is 12 to 14-year-old and many victims are runaway girls who were sexually abused as children.

4. In 2015, Human Trafficking Occurred in All 50 States

According to NHTRC, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, human trafficking victims have been identified in cities, suburbs, and rural areas in all 50 states, and in Washington, D.C. They are made to work or provide commercial sex against their will in legal and legitimate business settings as well as underground markets.

5. You Can Help Put an End to Human Trafficking

YOU can be an end to human trafficking. Through education, awareness and donation, you can save the million people who are unable to save themselves.

Click the link to learn more: http://www.a21.org/index.php?linkid=2319