Human trafficking is often imagined as something only happening in larger areas, but Ray County law enforcement officials emphasized the reality is far closer to home than many residents realize. January is nationally recognized as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with Jan. 11 designated as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Ray County Sheriff’s Office is using the month’s focus on awareness to highlight how trafficking can occur even in small and rural communities and to encourage residents to learn the signs and speak up when something does not seem right. “As a law enforcement agency dedicated to countering human trafficking every day, we hope this is an opportunity for a larger conversation in our county about what it takes to protect our kids and the critical role that alert citizens and strong families play in preventing human trafficking,” said Amy Sisson. Sisson noted many people picture human trafficking as a forceful abduction or a stranger…