On Wednesday, Senator Ruud led a bipartisan group of legislators in raising awareness for human trafficking. The Red Sand Project is an effort to bring light to the marginalized members of communities around the world. April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Senators thought it was a fitting time to recognize human trafficking victims. They gathered on the Capitol mall with pouches of red sand, and together, poured it into cracks in the pavement to bring awareness to the 40.3 million people living as slaves.

Members of the Human Trafficking Task Force emphasize that those targeted as victims are often homeless, in foster care, or battling mental illness. Working together to support the most vulnerable may significantly reduce the number of people that fall prey to human trafficking.

“We live every day with injustices all around us,” said Senator Ruud. “Every 92 seconds an American is sexually assaulted. Every 9 minutes a child is sexually assaulted. Millions around the world are exploited for other’s gain. The Red Sand Project is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to raise awareness and support for those who have fallen through the cracks.”