Part 2: CUTV News Radio spotlights community advocate Diana Ijames

Sullivan, MO – Since 2007, more than 1,500 calls have been made from Missouri to the National Human Trafficking hotline. St. Louis and Kansas City are hotspots for human trafficking.

Diana Ijames is a community advocate and philanthropist dedicated to confronting the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence in Missouri. Her goal is to help as many women and children as she can.

“I saw there were needs in our community that were not being met,” says Ijames. “A lot of people don't want to step up and help people. I've been blessed enough that I can help so I will.”

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center defines human trafficking as a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against their will.

"People don’t want to talk about this anymore because the crime is so heinous and unimaginable. It’s going on every day right outside our doors,” says Ijames. “We're got to save these girls now while we can. I want to stop it. And I want others to help me stop it.

Ijames began her philanthropic efforts donating to local hospitals. Ijames is deeply invested in a number of charities, including Mothers Against Drunk Driving and ALIVE (Alternatives to Living In Violent Environments), but it’s been her work in sex trafficking and domestic violence where she has truly made a difference.

“I see a lot of hurt people and I just see a lot of people not helping them. I just want to see people happy. I want to give back to make other people smile too. And if I can, I will do it. Anybody that needs me I just jump and say, ‘I'll help. I'll do that for you.’”