ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Human trafficking is modern day slavery. A Roanoke organization is trying to bring awareness to the issue.
Starting on Monday, November 17, residents will see new billboards around Roanoke. "Straight Street" is the organization behind them. The phone number connects people to the national human trafficking hotline.
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They provide immediate support and contact local police with tips and leads.
The Roanoke Police Department knows about the billboards. Local officers across Southwest Virginia have been through training.
Alerts have also been scheduled to air on the radio.
"That's the sounds of a 12-17-year-old's life taking an unexpected turn. More than 100,000 kids in the United States are victims of human trafficking and prostitution."
Straight Street says the billboards are important because they can reach a wide range of people and provide a text or call option for help.