As the Florida regional manager for the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking, it’s Stephanie Costolo’s job to teach employees what signs to look for that may indicate if someone is a victim. Then, once they spot a possible victim, they have to know where and how to report their suspicions without putting the victim or themselves in harm’s way.

Stephanie Costolo said the Florida based nonprofit blasts out Facebook ads to more than 100,000 potential local sex buyers each month. Natalie Kehn, who works on outreach for the group, said the nonprofit combs through thousands of online sex ads and messages potential trafficking victims.

Please join the Child Trafficking Solutions Project and the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking as the City of Hoover has become a TraffickingFree Zone! The …

The Italian Club in Ybor City, FL. and will be hosts to a performance by music artist Cutty Jones featuring Jay Slay supporting The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking. USIAHT is working to end Human Trafficking in the United States through prevention, combating demand, rescuing victims, influencing government policy and providing safe refuge for the restoration of survivors.

According to the USIAHT website, TFZ is a community-based initiative to reduce the number of buyers in the sex trade. The program is implemented in collaboration with community members and leaders, law enforcement, businesses, schools, health care organizations, churches and the media. The effort uses technology to reach buyers and victims on a massive scale.

The training city employees will receive is provided primarily by the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking and is available online. Cullman County Human Trafficking Chair Kathy Wilson joined with the coalition to bring the TraffickingFree Zone to Cullman.