At least 900 people are sold by human traffickers in Nebraska every single month
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A local nonprofit is sounding the alarm on human trafficking in Nebraska, stressing that it’s happening everywhere, every single day.
I’ve Got A Name said research from Creighton University found that at least 900 people a month are for sale in our state.
That includes around 200 people in Lincoln.
An online map shared by the nonprofit shows that this is also happening in Seward, Crete, Beatrice, York and many other Nebraska communities.
The organization says the average age of a child entering the commercial sex trade is just 13.
Executive Director Paul Yates said part of the problem is that most victims don’t believe they’re victims and never go to authorities for help.
“There was a situation out in southwest Nebraska of a mother selling her 14-year-old daughter,” he said. “I should point out most victims know their perpetrator.”
The Nebraska State Patrol said the problems affects every corner of the state.
“Traffickers will use major corridors such as I-80, I-70,” Lt. Monty Lovelace said. “But that does not stop at all that it occurs in small towns across the country.”
Children can be trafficked in a number of ways, but he said the primary means for a trafficker to gain access to unsuspecting kids is online.
If you see something suspicious, contact local authorities immediately or call the Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline at 833-757-5665.
