From the NC Deparment of Administration website:

"Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the United States with North Carolina among the most affected states. Major interstate highways, a large and transient military population surrounded by sexually oriented businesses, numerous rural agricultural areas with a high demand for cheap labor, and an increasing number of gangs all contribute to making our state a hotbed for human trafficking. 

In 2019, 266 cases of trafficking were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, ranking North Carolina 11th among the 50 states in cases reported. However, because human trafficking is a crime which hides in the shadows, the true number of cases in North Carolina is likely much, much higher."

For more information from the NC Department of Administration, click the links below:

What is Human Trafficking?

NC Human Trafficking Laws

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Human trafficking is the trade of humans, especially women and children, for forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation. This may also encompass providing a spouse in the context of forced marriage. Trafficking does not necessarily even involve the movement of the person from one place to another. It also may include the extraction of organs or tissues, including for surrogacy. 

Learn more at togetherfreedom.org/trafficking-facts-statistics

Human trafficking is often defined as the practice of exploiting adults and children for sexual and/or labor servitude. It’s a horrible industry where people profit over the imposed misery and forced servitude of other people.  Although men aren’t immune, most victims are female or children. They’re easier to capture, subdue, and obtain for human trafficking.

The best way to protect yourself and your family is to educate yourself and take preventative measures so that you aren't victimized. Most people know not to walk alone at night. Many women carry tools for self-defense, using keys between their knuckles or pepper spray. People even take self-defense classes.

Those are all good first steps, but you might need to take additional steps to keep yourself safe. How? One way would be to ask your local police for advice about preventative measures. And if you ever feel like you are in danger, call 911.