Human Trafficking Spiked during NBA All-Star and CIAA Events
Please keep your self informed and alert on this important issue.
The NBA All-Star Game, February 13-17 and the CIAA Tournament weekend, February 26-March 2 is expected to bring a significant increase of human trafficking activity to our city.
“North Carolina ranks #8 in the top 10 US states for human trafficking,” said Dr. Pat Krikorian, Executive Director of Lily Pad Haven, Inc. She further explains, “because the Charlotte region has a rapidly growing population, heavily traveled interstates, a busy international airport, close proximity to the coast and is the site for major sporting events, we are a hot spot for this atrocious crime.”
But there is hope with Lily Pad Haven, Inc.
This is a Charlotte-based non-profit that has provided safe housing for survivors of sex and labor trafficking since 2012, will be on alert during the upcoming sporting events. The staff of Lily Pad Haven, Inc. will be collaborating with the local FBI, CMPD Human Trafficking Task Force, Homeland Security, and other local anti-human trafficking organizations to be sure the needs of survivors are addressed.
It is vital that the public is alert and reports any suspicious activity. Citizens of Charlotte need to be especially vigilant during the coming weeks. If you see something, say something. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 to report any suspicious activity that could be indicative of a human trafficking situation. If you would like more information about this issue, please contact Alexa Nagy at 980-277-4178 or [email protected] or Dr. Pat Krikorian at 980-477-1498 or [email protected].
Stay safe Charlotte.
