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Human Trafficking Task Force plans Red Sand Project art installations

Family Services Inc.’s Victim Services, along with the Blair County Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team, is working to raise awareness of trafficking with Red Sand Project art installations.

July 30 is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

It is observed annually to raise awareness about human trafficking and to promote and protect the rights of trafficking victims.

Installations will take place July 29-31.

HART will be at multiple locations in Altoona, Hollidaysburg and Roaring Spring filling the cracks in the sidewalks with red sand to make the vulnerable visible.

The grains of red sand represent the millions of people who fall through the cracks and are exploited every day through commercial sex or labor.

The awareness week will kick off with an installation in front of the Family Services Inc.’s main office on Broad Avenue.

July 29

10 a.m. — Family Services Main Office, 2022 Broad Ave., Altoona.

12:30 p.m. — Family Shelter, 2300 Branch Ave., Altoona.

3 p.m. — Teen Center and Shelter, 1701 Sixth Ave., Altoona.

July 30

10 a.m. — Heritage Plaza, 1401 11th Ave., Altoona.

1 p.m. — The Diamond, Hollidaysburg.

July 31

2 p.m. — Roaring Spring Community Library, 320 E. Main St., Roaring Spring.

Human trafficking doesn’t just happens in movies or in big cities, but has been reported in Central Pennsylvania, and in Blair County, officials said in a release.

Most human traffickers use psychological means such as tricking, defrauding, manipulating or threatening victims into providing sex or labor, the release stated, noting that traffickers target vulnerable populations where these tactics often go unquestioned.

Vulnerable communities which are highly susceptible to traffickers include, but are not limited to: LGBTQ+ youth, homeless individuals, youth involved in the child welfare system or juvenile justice system, and individuals with mental health or substance use issues.

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