A social worker and advocate for foster children says human trafficking is more common in Iowa than most residents probably realize. Ruth Buckels of Story City has housed nearly 100 teenaged foster children, including some who were victims of human trafficking. Buckels spoke at the Des Moines Area Community College (DMACC) campus in Carroll.
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Buckels said it’s not uncommon for a victim to maintain contact with their friends and family – who remain unaware of the situation.
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In her work, Buckels has been in contact with victims ranging from infants to people in their 70s. Teenagers are the most commonly targeted age group and Buckels challenged teachers at her presentation to question their students.
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Buckels said the best way to stop human trafficking is for people to notify police if they have a suspicion something is wrong. Earlier this year, the head of the Iowa Network Against Human Trafficking told state lawmakers that criminals working in Iowa are now making more money from HUMAN trafficking than they are from DRUG trafficking.