VALENTINE, Neb. - The number of people prosecuted for human trafficking has more than doubled nationwide in ten years. In Nebraska, the crime has touched communities of all sizes—from cities like Omaha to towns as small as Mullen.

Now, two women are trying to make sure Nebraskans understand the scope and danger of human trafficking—no matter where they live.

Lisa Molina is a survivor. Stacey Cahill is a mental health therapist. Together, they’ve made it their mission to educate and empower communities through their nonprofit, Traffic Stop.

Molina, who grew up in South Dakota, says her experience as a Native American trafficking survivor, parent and community member fuels her drive to protect others.

“As a Native girl, terrible things happened—lots and lots of adversity,” Molina said. “It is the Native youth who are the most vulnerable of the most vulnerable.”

This week, Molina and Cahill spoke at a public event at the Valentine Public Library. In addition to public speaking, Cahill has written a book, “Traffic Stop: Human Division.”

Cahill said her awareness of trafficking began in 2015, when she noticed troubling signs in her own caseload.

“I’m a mental health therapist. In 2015, I had nine people on my caseload in a small town who I could see signs of human sex trafficking,” Cahill said, referring to Lexington, Nebraska.

According to the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office, trafficking investigations and prosecutions have occurred in cities and small towns alike.

“Having an open dialogue with our kids at a very young age about healthy relationships is key,” Cahill said. “We need open communication about being safe online and not putting where your location is or too much about you.”

Cahill said many trafficking cases begin with online conversations.

“It takes just a few interactions before the kid feels like, ‘This is my friend. I can trust this person. They’re telling me all the things that make me feel good—like I’m beautiful and I’m loved,’” Cahill said.

Ginny Lee with the Valentine Book Club helped organize the event.

“I don’t care how small or large your town is—you have sex trafficking,” Lee said. “If we can save one person by this meeting, I will feel wonderful.”