FLINT, Mich. – Human trafficking has no geographical or socioeconomic boundaries. It's happening in big cities, the suburbs -- everywhere, including Flint, Mich. Communities and groups are coming together to create safe places for survivors of trafficking. In Schwartz Creek, a suburb of Flint Restoration Place was created by founder, Amy Joy. In addition to Restoration Place, Amy is a national speaker who educates health care professionals and more about human trafficking. You can read Amy's book, Human Trafficking 101 to find out much more.

Women and men need support to escape a cyclical lifestyle which has a tight grip on victims. The good news is, places like HOPE Against Trafficking exist. This group from Southeast Michigan has made it their mission to create safe and nurturing homes for victims of the lifestyle. The hope is to help those victims become survivors through a two-year program. Hope Against Trafficking is a non-profit organization which benefits from tremendous volunteers and community involvement.

The police and FBI continue to battle human trafficking. Most of us picture sex workers in a certain way, the same goes for pimps and traffickers. A pimp in a fur coat and big hat, a prostitute in skimpy clothing … but usually that's not how it looks. Now that everyone is connected to each other through computers, tablets and phones, it's easier than ever for traffickers to reach out to potential clients and new recruits. Using apps like Snapchat, Kik, Instagram and many more, predators are able to reach anyone, anywhere.

Human trafficking is as prevalent as ever. A local safe house, Sanctum House, is one of those places offering help to those in need. A haven for survivors who need a safe space, support and most importantly, love. Sanctum House’s founder and president, Edee Franklin has created a world and program which empowers survivors to stand on their own two feet. And Franklin’s past gives her a unique perspective and understanding of what being trapped in the lifestyle feels like.

Human trafficking is a global problem which claims the freedom of 24.9 million people worldwide, according to Polarisproject.com. Victims are used for labor, sex, and denied basic human rights. Many of us imagine a scene in which someone is grabbed and thrown into a van, but the truth is, it’s much easier for the bad guys to make contact with their victims. Predators start seemingly innocent conversations in popular social apps, many times while the kids are just inches away from their parents. In our series, Stop the Trafficking, we hope to shed light on common misconceptions and unveil the truth behind trafficking.

They were being trained to spot potential human trafficking victims. He is talking about human trafficking. The non-profit organization Truckers Against Trafficking held a news conference, asking truckers to be alert of human trafficking. Clark said human trafficking in both the sex and labor industries is a $150 billion annual industry, that robs up to 40 million people of their freedom. Also at truck stops, if you see little boys or girls walking around without a family member, that is another possible sign.

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A Port Huron man was sentenced to one to 15 years in jail for his involvement in the sex trafficking of a minor, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel. Robert Standfield, 24, was sentenced in Macomb County Circuit Court after pleading guilty to one count of human trafficking in December. The victim was a minor at the time. Standfield and McGough were charged in December of 2017. McGough was sentenced to three years and 11.5 months to 15 years in prison in November.