ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – In the bustling heart of Central Florida, a poignant narrative unfolded as a survivor of human trafficking shared her harrowing journey. This Saturday, the story served as a stark reminder that victims of this heinous crime often live in the shadows, unseen and forgotten.

Savannah Parvu, who survived the horrors of trafficking, revealed that she hadn’t recognized her own ordeal as human trafficking until she understood the true nature of the crime. “I had heard about human trafficking but didn’t associate it with what happened to me,” she explained. “Often we think of it as something involving chains or kidnappings, like in the movies. But in the United States, and especially in Florida, it’s rarely like that. It’s about unmet needs, vulnerabilities, and the right person who knows precisely how to exploit those.”

This weekend’s 7th annual Red Sand Project in Central Florida was a gathering of advocates, community groups, and leaders who came together to shine a light on the issue and honor those who have survived it. The symbolic act of pouring red sand into the cracks of the pavement served as a visual metaphor for victims who slip through societal gaps and remain unseen.

The event was graced by several prominent officials, including Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, and Rep. Anna Eskamani of Orlando, all of whom lent their voices to the cause.

Parvu’s own story began in Central Florida at the tender age of 11. Despite being in public places, such as schools, the warning signs of her plight went unnoticed. Her testimony is a powerful reminder of the need for vigilance and awareness to prevent more individuals from becoming invisible victims.

She said she was trafficked in Central Florida beginning at 11 years old and was often in public places such as school where warning signs went unnoticed.

Orange County Sheriff John Mina told News 6 that investigators received about 200 human-trafficking tips just last year, leading to dozens of arrests through a regional task force.

If you see something that may not be right, you are urged to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Office and report it.