(WWLP) – It’s a crime that is growing in cities and town across the country, and in Massachusetts: human trafficking. 22News I-Team reporter Tamara Sacharczyk has uncovered the disturbing trend is happening right here in western Massachusetts, and the victims can be as young as 14-years-old.
According to the NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE CENTER, there were over 3600 reported cases of human trafficking nationwide as of June 30, 2016. Researchers found that women and children are forced into working in many industries including hotels, restaurants and beauty services, and as domestics in private homes. The highest number are in sex trafficking.
In a two-part investigation, the 22News I-Team reveals the face of human trafficking in Massachusetts.
Part One: In an interview you’ll only see on 22News, a survivor of sex trafficking provides a look into the unimaginable world she lived in for 5-years.
Part Two: You’ll learn about what law enforcement is doing to prosecute and prevent human trafficking in Western Massachusetts. According to the state’s Attorney General’s Office, 25 people have been charged in connection to human trafficking over the past 4-years in the state.
See the 22News I-Team’s in-depth investigation into human trafficking. On Thursday, October 27 on 22News at 5:30pm hear one survivor’s story in Part One. And following at 6pm, Part Two will focus on what’s being done to curtail this growing crime.