GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) – Advocates for Freedom is an organization committed to raising awareness and slowing the crime of human trafficking in South Mississippi.

The Department of Justice has declared I-10 as the main human trafficking corridor across the United States.

Susie Harvill, CEO and founder of Advocates for Freedom, says, “We are the perfect storm. We have young soldiers here. We have waterways that allow people to come and go without being seen and we have the I-10 corridor.

Human trafficking is the second largest crime in the world, with at least 42 million victims.

Kerri Helsel of Advocates for Freedom says education is important and there are several signs to watch for when it comes to human trafficking.

“An older man with a very young daughter, a child who doesn’t seem to know where he is or who might change his name,” Helsel said.

On November 16, Defenders of freedom is hosting a fundraising and awareness event called the “The Wild West Wingding” at the Southern Oaks location in Gulfport at 6 p.m.

This is a cowboy-themed event with line dancing and a silent auction.

“We need everyone to come together. Have fun, but help us,” Harvill said.

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