Spreading the Word About National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

During the holiday break, I traveled to visit some family members and experienced flying as a solo traveler, seeing bustling crowds and navigating my way through terminals to make connected flights on time. However, while I was in the airport, I noticed a flyer that said, “GET HELP: If you are a victim of human trafficking call this number, 1-888-3737-888.” When I returned to school, I found out that January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and has been honored in the United States since 2010. In my search for understanding the importance of this month, I wanted to share with you what I learned about human trafficking and what we can all do to become more aware of this global issue. 

Defining Human Trafficking

According to the U.S Department of State, human trafficking is defined as, “a crime where traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children, compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.” 

• Is human trafficking just sex trafficking? No, there are many other forms of human trafficking like labor trafficking. In addition, someone can still be trafficked even if they gave initial consent to sex or services. Victims can not only be trafficked through kidnapping, but also through manipulation, grooming, debt bondage or wage theft. 

• Who are the victims? Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, religion or economic status.

• Who are the traffickers? Traffickers can be anyone whether they are strangers or someone you know like family members, friends or acquaintances.

• Where does trafficking occur? Everywhere. Trafficking can occur in every country and industry. It can also take place in private or public places and on the internet.

By the Numbers: Surprising Stats About Human Trafficking

• According to an article published by Our Rescue, as of 2021, there are 49.6 million people in modern slavery worldwide, of which 54% are female and 12 million are children. 

• According to statistics from Safe Horizon, forced labor in the private economy generates an estimated 150 billion in illegal profits annually.

• According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, in the fiscal year of 2022, 1,912 people were referred to U.S. attorneys for human trafficking offenses, a 26% increase from 2012.

 National Human Trafficking Hotline 

Call: 1-888-373–7888 or Text: HELP or BEFREE to 233733 

(The National Human Trafficking Hotline is not law enforcement, please call 911 if in immediate danger)

During my research I found out that the National Human Trafficking Hotline was the number I saw at the airport that day. From the hundreds of people who used the airport that day, anyone could have been an unseen victim; I realized that this number serves as an essential lifeline. Letting someone know that they are not alone during a difficult situation is a crucial part of practicing active awareness. I recommend that you add this hotline as an emergency contact or have it handy in case you encounter or become a victim. 

You can call this number if you need help with: 

• Reporting a tip if you suspect a potential human trafficking situation.
• Creating a safety plan if you are involved in a trafficking situation.
• Finding the nearest support services or local law enforcement. 

This hotline was launched in 2007 by a non-profit organization called Polaris. It offers confidential online and toll-free phone support 24/7 in 200+ languages for all people affected by human trafficking. On their website you can learn more about their impact worldwide and take a Human Trafficking 101 training. 

A Message From a Human Trafficking Survivor

(Warning: contains graphic and sexual content; please view and listen to survivor testimonials at your own discretion) 

A problem can only be truly recognized when we listen to those who are affected. I came across a website called Survivor Voices which includes survivor bios and testimonial videos about their experiences being trafficked. I was really moved by their bravery.

Here are some key messages by survivors: 

• Theresa Flores says, “If you feel that someone is in possible danger ask, “Can I help you? At first they will say no, but ask them over and over again, so they know that they can trust you.” 

• Keyana Marshall says, “[The trafficker] was not convicted for any of the sex trafficking charges because the women and girls he trafficked were too afraid to testify.” We need to empower, uplift and spread the word about the victim’s perspective. 

• James Dold says, “Watch out for significant changes in behavior in children. They might be doing well on paper, in school like I was, but at the end of the day going through a hell people don’t know about.” 

• Jerome Elam says that the doctors did not recognize his signs of abuse.“I was given a fake identity by my trafficker and when I was in the ER for my injuries my trafficker told the doctor that I was ‘attention-seeking’ and ‘accident-prone.’” Professionals need to take warning signs seriously and become aware of coercion tactics. 

Human trafficking is a rampant issue that we all must work hard to spread awareness about—during the month of January and every other month. You already have taken the first step, just by becoming educated and knowing that there are always ways to help. I hope this article has inspired you with ways to spread awareness and become an active advocate for people affected by human trafficking.

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