The Siouxland Coalition Against Human Trafficking held its Red Sand Event in Sioux City Thursday afternoon to raise awareness.
The Siouxland Coalition is a non-profit organization working towards abolishing all forms of human trafficking through education, advocacy, and collaborating with local agencies.
Bernadette Rixnor, Outreach Coordinator for SCAHT, told Siouxland Public Media on Thursday the event is meant to bring awareness about human trafficking by allowing participants to spread red sand.
Rixnor said after the speaker finished talking about human trafficking, participants poured the sand in the cracks of the concrete.
“It’s to remind people to not let victims or survivors of human trafficking fall through the cracks or get walked over,” she added.
She said survivors and victims have very limited resources available to them, especially in Iowa.
Rixnor highlighted the importance of awareness, saying human trafficking is a hidden crime that takes place in our community.
The red sand was poured in the cracks of concrete at Pearl Street Park; the location changes every year. July 30 is World Day Against Human Trafficking.
