ORANGE COUNTY, Fla. – Human trafficking is a hidden crisis that often goes unnoticed, but one survivor in Central Florida is determined to bring it to light. On Saturday, she shared her harrowing experience to ensure that the plight of victims is not overlooked.

Savannah Parvu revealed that she was unaware she had been trafficked until she learned to recognize the true signs of human trafficking.

“I had always heard about human trafficking but never connected it to my own experience,” Parvu explained. “We often see portrayals in movies that focus on chains and kidnappings. However, in reality, especially in the U.S. and Florida, it’s more about exploiting unmet needs and vulnerabilities. While those extreme cases can happen, they are not the norm. Traffickers are skilled at identifying and exploiting a person’s weaknesses.”

The 7th annual Red Sand Project aimed to raise awareness and pay tribute to survivors, gathering advocates, community groups, and public officials. The symbolic act of pouring red sand into pavement cracks represented the victims of human trafficking who are often overlooked by society.

Prominent figures such as Orange County Commissioner Mayra Uribe, Orange-Osceola State Attorney Monique Worrell, and Representative Anna Eskamani from Orlando, were among the attendees, showing their support for the cause.

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.