For several years, the 10News I-Team has been exposing the harsh and haunting truth about sex slavery in our region and right across the border in Mexico.

It's a sad reality for millions of women and children across the world.

The I-Team investigation stories were aired at a human trafficking conference held in Los Angeles this week. The breakfast was moderated by First Lady of California Maria Shriver, and included a panel of victims, advocates and experts, including San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis.

"I think it's important to say California is a destination for human trafficking because of the border," Shriver told 10News reporter Juliette Vara.

In the audience were governors from neighboring states including Arizona, and also from Mexico.

The First Lady of Sonora Mexico was on the panel and highlighted how often children are abducted there and sold into sex slavery. She said they are often times approached by women and promised a better life or a good job. Instead, they are taken to different parts of the country or smuggled into the U.S. to have sex with men.

"We want to take back to all governors that they can work together," said Shriver.

Marisa Ugarte with the Bilateral Safety Corridor Coalition is an outspoken advocate for the cause. She worries governors aren't working together enough. She said, "Maybe after today that can happen."

Women and children from Central and South America, Korea, Mexico, and China are trafficked to the United States, experts said.

"These are under reported crimes. They're preying on those that are vulnerable because they can't speak English," said Dumanis.

Educating the public is critical to help combat the problem that's affecting so many.

"27 million, that's the best estimate we have, but that's the tip of the iceberg," said advocate Julia Ormond.

It was the first time in Los Angeles that a panel of experts and advocates have gathered to speak about human trafficking and slavery.

Dumanis stressed the need for similar laws across the country that crack down on this crime. She also urged community members to remain vigilant in order to spot these crimes.

"When they go to a business and it's all same ethnic group, look to see if they're isolated," Dumanis said. "If they'll talk about their family, if they can move freely. Do they look tired? Are they living in the same place they're employed? Reach out and see if you can get information."

Then she said if something appears suspicious call the authorities.