Human trafficking awareness surrounding the Derby

BOWLING GREEN, Ky.- As of 2024, human trafficking in Kentucky has risen by 18.5 percent.

There are two types of trafficking, which are labor and sex. 

Most of the cases identified victims were with a relative. Signs to look out for are delayed or repetitive speech, eye contact and if the person doesn’t know where they are.

Phoenix Rising is a nonprofit in Kentucky whose motive are to protect, defend and prevent human trafficking at places like the derby.

Traci Schandel, the president of Phoenix Rising in Kentucky, said, “There’s a lot of money involved in horse racing, and there’s large crowds. You’re anonymous there. It’s just crowded. You can easily get away with trafficking.”

If you notice any signs of human trafficking, notify authorities immediately and call the human trafficking awareness hotline 1-888-373-7888.