72 Buses Rumble Through Atlanta To Highlight Sex Trafficking

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Seventy-two school buses rolled through the streets of Atlanta today to raise awareness about sex trafficking. / Georgia Public Broadcasting

Seventy-two school buses rolled through the streets of Atlanta Wednesday to raise awareness about sex trafficking. The event was held by Street Grace which seeks to draw more attention to the issue.

Shameka Dawson is a 46-year-old trafficking survivor turned activist.

"Can you imagine a 4-year-old being snatched from a front yard and they're right across the street and you have no idea?” Dawson said speaking after the event.

She was kidnapped and sold at the age of 4 and again when she was 21.

Now, she works to help other victims and survivors.

Between the start of 2017 and June of last year, more than 400 cases were reported in Georgia to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Dawson said victims and survivors like her need more resources. 

"We need the therapy,” she said. “We need protective factors in place that will buffer against making a child or a family at risk to this."

To do that, it'll take stronger laws including harsher punishments for people fueling the industry. Georgia's Gov.-elect Brian Kemp said he welcomes possible changes during the upcoming legislative session.

"In the months to come I look forward to working with lawmakers and law enforcement to dismantle the criminal networks that are creating this supply and demand,” Kemp said.

But Dawson said it’s not just a job for law enforcement and that addressing this issue starts in your living room. 

"I know that this conversation makes us uncomfortable, but it is so necessary that we start the education at home with our own children.”

She said it's a long road to recovery and one that she's still on, but she is inspired by the chance to help others by sharing her story.