American Indian Community Housing Organization honors Trafficking Awareness Month

DULUTH, MN. (Northern News Now) - In honor of Trafficking Awareness Month, a local non-profit is spreading awareness about human trafficking and how to prevent it.

The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) hosted an opening ceremony on Monday. The event provided community resources for the public.

According to the U.S. Department of State, human trafficking largely impacts racial and ethnic minorities, women, girls and other marginalized groups.

Mel Alvar, Safe Harbor Regional Navigator for Aid to Victims of Sexual Assault (PAVSA), says human trafficking can also affect children who spend a lot of time online.

“Before we put a phone or tablet in their hand,” Alvar said, “it’s really important to talk to them about what to do when somebody messages you directly because that’s what the internet has opened the doors pretty wide to.”

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized on January 11th.

To learn more about PAVSA’s other events this month, visit their website.

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