Human Trafficking Expert Speaks in Orono, Maine

ORONO, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Human trafficking has been called a form of modern day slavery in which the victims are forced into prostitution or to work and live in deplorable conditions. 

The Zonta Club of Bangor held a conference to raise awareness of the problem Tuesday. Experts from Maine and across the country spoke to police, prosecutors, and social service providers to let them know that human trafficking can and does happen in Maine.

"The more we increase awareness about it the more hopefully we can help people who are really in pain and really suffering," Arian Giantris, Catholic Charities of Maine said.

"If we don't have community members and service providers understand it's an issue and understand what to look for, then we have no way of bringing it forward to the light of day," Destie Hohman Sprague, Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault said.

Catholic Charities of Maine and the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault are sharing grant money to do outreach and case management. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking in Maine, you can call 1-888-373-7888 or go to the Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships, Inc. website.

NEWS CENTER

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