CHARLOTTE, NC — Local hair stylists are joining the fight against human trafficking by learning how to spot the warning signs.
Kenna Ehman, owner of Kenna Kunijo Salon, says she's training all of her stylists on what to look for since they may unknowingly come in contact with victims.
"We really believe one of the big things that happens to victims after they've been captured is that they have to change their identity so we truly believe we see more of these girls than anybody else," Ehman said.
Ehman told Eyewitness News they look for clients who don't speak or make good eye contact. And since traffickers often steal victim's IDs, she tries to find creative ways to ask for them.
"Hey girl, how do spell your name? Can I just see your ID? So, something like that," said Ehman.
Ehman also shares materials highlighting how massive of a problem human trafficking is. North Carolina is one of the top 10 states and Charlotte is the number one city for human trafficking in North Carolina.
Ehman also hands out copies of the brochure for Lily Pad Haven, an organization dedicated to helping victims recover. She is working with Lily Pad Haven and lawmakers on a bill pushing for mandatory human trafficking awareness courses for stylists.
Ohio passed a similar law in 2016. She is writing a letter hoping to get support from the North Carolina Board of Cosmetic Art Examiners for support, hoping North Carolina is next.
"We are here to build people up so anytime you hear someone is taking that way from someone, it can't help but break your heart," Ehman said.
In February, authorities charged three men for trafficking a teen girl in Wilmington, NC.
Representative Bill Brawley told Eyewitness News he supports the push for mandatory training for stylists.
Learn more about how to support human trafficking survivors and how to identify victims here:
LILY PAD HAVEN
http://endslaveryincharlotte.com/happenings/
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