Bri Pacelli is KGUN 9's Eastside reporter. Send your story ideas to Bri at [email protected].
TUCSON, Ariz. — Sex trafficking, an under reported crime, is garnering attention in Arizona, which ranks 14th in the country for this issue. Last year, 36 children were reportedly sex trafficked in Pima County, shedding light on the severity of the problem. In response to this, students from the University of Arizona are taking action to spread awareness.
Expressing their motivation, Co-Founder of W.M.A.C.E. Andrew Kim stated,"I feel like it's a big issue that just needs to be addressed, and I think the little things that we can start doing can really help with that." The students discovered that sex trafficking can often begin with"sextortion," a form of exploitation where individuals are threatened with the sharing of nude or explicit images. Co-Founder of W.M.A.C.E Evan Laughlin shared his realization,"And I didn't even realize that, like, that was happening. It was just like under the radar. It's just like, wow, that is like right in front of my face.
The students have devised a plan to collaborate with the UArizona to incorporate sex trafficking awareness into the mandatory University 100 class, which all students are required to take.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
How Tucson cyclist Matthew Riccitello joined a team with a special connection to IsraelJason Barr is KGUN-TV's sports director and anchor, and he appears regularly on KGUN newscasts.
Read more »
Man arrested in UArizona mass shooting threat to be held without bondMichael Pengchung Lee, who is facing federal charges for threats of a mass shooting at the University of Arizona, is being held without bond.
Read more »
Local vendors unite at Merry Mercado to kickstart holiday shopping seasonBri Pacelli, originally from Southern California, joined KGUN 9 as a multimedia journalist and reporter in October of 2023. She recently graduated from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School, where she earned a degree in journalism and mass communication.
Read more »
Esperanza Dance Project works to break silence and stigma surrounding childhood sexual traumaBri Pacelli, originally from Southern California, joined KGUN 9 as a multimedia journalist and reporter in October of 2023. She recently graduated from Arizona State University's Walter Cronkite School, where she earned a degree in journalism and mass communication.
Read more »
Get ready to Bear Down, Arizona Alumni: U of A Homecoming weekend is hereAnne Simmons is a Digital Content Producer for KGUN 9. She got her start in television while still a student at the University of Arizona. Before joining KGUN, she managed multiple public access television stations in the Bay Area and has worked as a video producer in the non-profit sector.
Read more »
Despite entering the transfer portal, Kailyn Gilbert returns for her second season with the WildcatsErin Patterson is from White Plains, New York. She joined KGUN 9 as a multimedia journalist in August of 2023.
Read more »