Human trafficking victims are often ignored or overlooked in society.

UPMC Jameson Hospital worker Heaven Miller said human trafficking is more than what is seen in movies or on TV, while New Castle Police Det. Hailey Houk said it happens locally in Lawrence County and affects the most vulnerable members of the community.

“The vulnerability is what really leads to people being victimized,” Houk said. “People will prey on these people.”

ARISE and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lawrence County commemorated World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on Wednesday with a Red Sand Project ceremony where sand was filled in the sidewalk cracks at ARISE headquarters in New Castle to symbolize victims who “fall through the cracks.” The initiative was started by artist and activist Molly Gochman in 2015.

An estimated more than 50 million people globally are the victims of some form of human trafficking.

“We will not look away. We will not be silent,” Nicole Amabile, ARISE CEO, said during the program.

Amabile, Houk, Miller and Lawrence County Assistant District Attorney Bill Flannery spoke during the ceremony. Amabile said victims of domestic violence and abuse are more at risk for trafficking, especially sex trafficking.

Houk is a member of the department’s criminal investigations unit, specializing in sexual assault cases. In April, she was awarded the Blue Ribbon Champion for Safe Kids Award from the Pennsylvania Family Support Alliance for her dedication to protecting children and youth in the community.

She said people with drug and alcohol abuse are targeted, as well as minors online through social media and video game chatrooms.

“Kids are often afraid to tell their parents what they’ve heard online,” Houk said.

Houk said in addition to gang trafficking and organized crime, she has seen family members sell their loved ones off for money or other rewards, which happened in New Castle a few years ago.

“It does happen locally,” Houk said.

Houk said partners do this with their significant others. She added that men and LGBTQ+ community members are also targeted, while prostitution is considered trafficking.

Miller, who works as a discharge planner and social worker at the hospital, said warning signs include physical marks, tattoos, branding, injuries and anxiety, withholding information or people constantly having to be in the same room as a person, even during medical appointments.

“Trust your instincts. It’s your responsibility to remain observant,” said Miller, who added hospitals are trained to look for signs of trafficking.

As an assistant district attorney, Flannery is assigned cases specializing in narcotics trafficking and violent crimes, where there is interplay because they often use the same routes, buildings and supply lines. Abusers often get their victims hooked on drugs to become more dependent, he said.

There are support options in the community.

Anonymous reports can be made to the district attorney’s office at (855) 918-6476 or lawrencecountydistrictattorneysoffice.com/anonymous-tips.

ARISE has Tuesday self-esteem support groups from 10 to 11:45 a.m. at 1218 W. State St. Adults affected by domestic violence or sexual assault are invited to attend. D&J Warriors 2 Survivors, a local nonprofit whose goal is to help spread awareness of child abuse and trafficking, will expand its services from an office at the Central Building.

From New Castle News Online, August 1, 2025