Walk raises awareness for victims of human trafficking
Several dozen people gathered in downtown Springfield Saturday to participate in a walk designed to raise awareness for victims of human trafficking and child exploitation.
Some of those that participated held signs that addressed human and child trafficking, including slogans such as “Save our Children” and “Speak Up.” Some in the crowd also chanted “see something, say something,”as they walked in the downtown area.
Participants were addressed by organizers of the event as well as two representatives of local organizations that work with victims of human trafficking.
The event was organized primarily by area residents Brittany Drake and Megan Watson.
Both Drake and Watson said that they became more aware of issues related to human trafficking and child exploitation this year and wanted to share information such as what signs to look for and the reality of human trafficking versus any misconceptions associated with it.
Watson said she has learned that child victims are more likely to be trafficked or abused by family members or people they trust. Both of the organizers said that another goal of the event is to educate the community on local resources available that aim to help victims.
Representatives of local organisations that work with human trafficking victims or have information regarding those issues were asked to speak at the event.
That included Safe Harbor House, which provides residential long-term after care to women, including victims of human trafficking. Another local organization that was represented was CitiLookout, which aims to provide trauma relief and other related services to those in the community.
Carin Ronk attended the event on behalf of Safe Harbor
House and said her organization houses about 20 women each year. She said a large majority of the women that they work with have been trafficked and or recovering from substance use disorders.
She said that human trafficking is taking place in Springfield and in Clark County and that her organization works with women from all over the state.
“There is definitely a lot of misinformation out there. Especially right now for some reason. We are kind of seeing a surge. I think it is important for people to just not use social media as their news source per say but to fact check things,” Ronk said.
“Human trafficking, sex trafficking is an industry that is constantly in flux. You need to stay up to date with current trends. Misinformation can distract us from the real issues and how to really combat this. It is important to make sure we are getting information from good sources,” she added.
Staff Writer
Riverside police are investigating an early Saturday morning shooting on Tidewater Drive that left two women dead.
The shooting was reported around 2:48 a.m. at the intersection of Tidewater Drive and Harshman Road.
When officers arrived on the call for shots fired, they found one woman dead and another injured.
Taprice Goodwin, 27, of Dayton was found dead and Aria Middlebrook, 27, of Riverside was transported to a local hospital, the Montgomery County Coroner’s office reported. Middlebrook did not survive her injuries, a release from the Riverside Police Department said.
Dispatchers could not say if an arrest had been made or what led to Saturday’s shooting.