By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – Bloomington-Normal is not immune to human trafficking.
Part of the message at a human trafficking awareness event at Evangelical Free Church in Bloomington Tuesday night was that the problem does exist in the area.
“Often an Asian massage parlor that’s kind of an illicit massage parlor can be a front for selling sex,” said Catalyst Ministries President Julie Ryan. “We have some of those in town. Those are fairly common in various towns in the U.S.”
Ryan said the Twin Cities position between Chicago and St. Louis, and along major interstates, could contribute to the fact the area draws human trafficking.
“The estimation in the U.S. is that there are 100,000 women and children who are trafficked into the U.S. each year,” she said.
Ryan added Catalyst Ministries works with authorities to assist victims of human trafficking.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at adam.studzinski@cumulus.com.
