WILKES-BARRE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU) — Human trafficking can happen anywhere, and anyone can fall victim. That is why officials are collaborating to combat the crime in Luzerne County.
NEPA is no stranger to trafficking. Experts say the close proximity and access to New York and other cities makes the area a hotspot.
"I figured if I could stand up and speak for those that can't, or won't or, just don't have the strength to that I can make a difference," said Anastasia Joy, survivor/advocate.
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Joy was trafficked in the Poconos when she was just eighteen years old. Now, she is an advocate for others.
She shared her story at the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's roundtable discussion at the Victim's Resource Center.
There, Joy joined state leaders, local officials, and victim advocates to discuss how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and strengthen efforts to stop the ongoing epidemic.
The crime involves coercing a person into labor or commercial sex.
"It's been glorified in movies, it's been glorified in music videos in rap songs, and at the end of the day it happens in our own backyards in small cities," said Joy.
Joy says there are a lot of misconceptions surrounding victims of human trafficking. She explains a large portion of victims are groomed, and often know their perpetrators before the trafficking takes place.
Joy wants to see more education in schools to stop the problem and more resources for victims.
"Creating organizations a safe place to go, work, and just helping them build their life back up I think is so important," said Joy.
At the state level, officials say stopping the issue starts with stopping the demand.
"We need to make the penalties more severe for people buying sex but we also need to charge more people with buying sex," said Heather Castellino, Chief Deputy Attorney General Human Trafficking, PA Attn Gen. Office.
Leaders note that collaboration and conversation are the first steps to change.
"We're all in the same room we can coordinate our services coordinate our response," said Suzanne Beck, co-chair, NEPA Task Force Against Human Trafficking/CEO VRC.
"Everyone here had something to add and I think together we can create a really powerful team to really fight this crime," said Joy.
For resources on human trafficking, visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
