Pathways Coalition works to raise trafficking awareness

Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks is one of several groups working to fight human trafficking in the Ozarks and to raise awareness of the problem’s extent. In connection with Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, many supporters wore blue to show solidarity with trafficking survivors. Efforts continue throughout January, designated as Awareness Month, to increase community awareness of available educational and prevention resources.  

Veloris Juneman serves as founder and director of Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks, which serves Taney and Stone counties. In a recent KY3 interview, she shared that traffickers target vulnerabilities. That might include homelessness, substance abuse issues, or an unstable home life. Social media is now the primary entry point for youth trafficking, as traffickers build a relationship with children or teens online by pretending to sympathize with their problems. 

Also during the KY3 interview, Dawn Day, forensic program coordinator at Mercy Hospital and a volunteer with Springfield’s Stand Against Trafficking organization, stated that most SW Missourians seem to realize that trafficking happens, but only about 20% are aware that it happens locally, across the Ozarks and in rural areas. The reality, however, is that Missouri ranks eighth in the nation for hotline calls and fourth nationally for confirmed trafficking cases. 

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and governmental agencies define human trafficking as “illegal exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion.” In many cases involving youth, the trafficker has convinced the victim that parents don’t understand and law enforcement and authority figures can’t be trusted. The deception continues once the exploitation begins, telling youth that if they do try to escape, nobody will believe them and they will be arrested. 

Anti-trafficking coalition leaders all agree that education is the best prevention. Pursuant to that, they work with schools and other groups to provide training, including social media precautions and how to spot signs that a student, friend, or even someone you encounter in a hotel or public transportation is caught in a trafficking situation. 

In addition to education, Pathways advocates for support of legislation that helps define and address trafficking. On Tuesday, January 13, Juneman presented a statement to Missouri representatives in support of HB1814, HB1551, and SB893, which define and establish parameters for prosecution of online exploitation of minors. “Evan’s Voice Act,” which will criminalize the extortion of minors in Missouri, is named after a Missouri 16-year-old who tragically lost his life following online extortion; and “Evie and Sophie’s Law,” which will criminalize the sexual grooming of minors, is named for teen sisters who were sexually groomed by their martial arts teacher to the point of believing suicide was the only way out. 

Visit the Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks on Facebook for details about contacting your Missouri legislators to urge their support for these important bills. 

Pathways also partners with area law enforcement to provide victim support when a sting operation is conducted. For ongoing support, the Coalition has also been working to renovate a safe building to help victims who reach out or agree to receive help. 

“Pathways to Hope Advocacy Center exists to end the cycle of trauma by providing compassionate crisis intervention, individualized case management, and a safe, supportive space where survivors are valued, heard and empowered to build hope for the future,” said Juneman of the Center, which is scheduled to open January 30. “It will be a place where trauma ends and hope can begin. We are ready to offer a place of hope for survivors and vulnerable children in Stone and Taney counties.” 

If you suspect someone is in a dangerous trafficking situation, call 911; for other tips, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888. The Missouri State Highway Patrol also offers valuable tips on how to spot trafficking and how to help, at https://www.mshp.dps.missouri.gov/MSHPWeb/PatrolDivisions/DDCC/Units/SpecialVictimsUnit/htInfo.html. 

Looking for more ways you can help? Ask your church or civic group to host an informational meeting with a Pathways volunteer. Pathways Project Coalition of the Ozarks also has volunteer opportunities, and training is provided; visit the Facebook page or the website, https://pathwaysprojectmo.org, for more information.