Many people, adults and kids, fail to acknowledge how widespread human trafficking really is. In North Carolina, human trafficking is most prevalent in Charlotte. Although Charlotte is a big tourist spot in North Carolina, it comes with its dangers. Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in the world, and it’s one of Charlotte’s biggest issues. Additionally, North Carolina is one of the most affected states in the U.S. According to the NC DOA Human Trafficking website, in 2020, there were 260 cases reported, causing North Carolina to be ranked ninth among the 50 states in reported cases. 

On Jan. 13, 2025, ABC 12 News posted an article about shedding light on human trafficking in Eastern Carolina. Human trafficking is a hidden crime, often kept in the dark because language barriers are destroyed with fear. Claudia Collins, the SAC Counselor at Wakefield, often comes into the health classroom to give lessons on human trafficking. Collins highlights the prevalence of human trafficking in North Carolina.

“It takes place in every community,” Collins said. “It’s out in the open, and the average person very rarely knows that it’s taking place.”  

At Wakefield, human trafficking lessons are taught in freshman health classes. Teaching high school students about human trafficking is especially important since they tend to be the most targeted demographic. Rory Mathis, a freshman currently in Healthful Living, explains the definition of human trafficking as she learned it in her health class. 

“[Human trafficking is] a way that people get physically and emotionally assaulted [through the internet or in person],” Mathis said. “It’s a system that can damage the human body; it can seriously hurt somebody.” 

Even though human trafficking is talked about so little, it’s still a prominent crime in North Carolina. Simply educating people on the topic is a major stride in bringing change to this issue. Danny Inscoe, one of the Healthful Living teachers here at Wakefield, makes it a point to know how and where human trafficking is dangerous in North Carolina.

 “The important thing is that teenagers need to know, especially girls,” Inscoe said. “Because of where we live in North Carolina, along 95 – [a major interstate that goes from New York to Florida] – it’s a pretty prominent location for human trafficking to occur.” 

Even though Interstate 95 is a highly susceptible place to human trafficking, one can still find human trafficking anywhere. Freshman Jasmina Anders, a classmate of Mathis’s, explains how people can protect themselves from being trafficked. 

“Usually, [a person] being with someone or carrying around something to keep [themselves] safe in public scenarios,” Anders said.

Here at Wakefield, students can contact Mrs. Collins if they or any of their friends ever feel unsafe or if there are problems at home. It’s important to be aware of one’s surroundings and stay in small groups of people.

“Try to be smart about where you are in your surroundings, and also, try to be in groups, try to be in small groups if anything,” Inscoe said,  “Don’t be by yourself. Also, I would say if it’s online, don’t meet up with strangers.”