Roanoke organization sponsors human trafficking billboards

ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - Human trafficking is modern day slavery. A Roanoke organization is trying to bring awareness to the issue.

Starting Monday, November 17 you'll see these billboards around Roanoke.

Straight Street is the organization behind them. The phone number connects people to the national human trafficking hotline. 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.

You may also hear a radio PSA.

"That's the sound of a 12-17 year old's life taking an unexpected turn. Every year over 100,000 kids in the United States are victims of human trafficking and prostitution," it says in the PSA.

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.