National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  We recognize January 11th, designated as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States – a day to bring awareness to the world-wide crisis also known as modern day slavery.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or sex. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises to lure their victims into trafficking situations. Trafficking victims usually experience physical and/or psychological abuse. They might also endure sexual abuse, food and sleep deprivation, threats to family members, and isolation from the outside world. Family members of the victim may also get threatened. 

The United States Senate ratified the resolution establishing January 11th as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in 2007. Since then, it has drawn massive public support from individual donations to government-organized events.  In 2010, President Obama dedicated the entire month of January to awareness and prevention of human trafficking. Today, there are over 50 established organizations that globally combat this illegal practice, and more awareness has been raised than ever before.  The horrific injustice of human trafficking can affect people of any race and background, and on this day we are all called to fight human trafficking wherever it exists. 

1. Knowing the Signs Can Save Lives
   Being able to suspect or identify a victim or perpetrator of human trafficking can save lives. The industry victimizes not only the millions of people directly involved, but their families, friends, and loved ones. There are many resources to help you spot and stop human trafficking. 
2. It is a Growing Global Problem
   It’s hard to wrap the mind around the idea that over 30 million people are likely enslaved as you read this - but even harder to consider that the number is growing. This lucrative illegal industry ruthlessly recruits and kidnaps more at-risk individuals and victimizes them for personal and financial gain, so the sooner awareness can be spread the sooner we can combat the issue.
3. It Can Affect Anyone
   Many think of slavery as a problem of the distant past or of distant countries, but it exists across all continents and ages. Though some groups, like women and individuals from poorer areas, are more at risk, the reality is that human trafficking can affect anyone - we must all work together to eliminate the risks we all face. 

 [Get the Facts About Human Trafficking]

Learn The Signals 

Check out the Unitas website for a good list of potential child trafficking red flags. Polaris Project offers other insights on recognizing human trafficking.  

Make  sure you can recognize of the SOS Hand Signal that victims of exploitation may use to request help  and support. This poster and video demonstrate the signal. 

Report A Tip

Save the hotline number to your cell phone:

The Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Tracking:  Call 1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842) or visit their website. 

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center is open 24/7:  Call 1-888-373-7888 (TTY: 711), Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) or visit their website.  

If you see or suspect a case of human trafficking, call the hotline. Don't second guess yourself: when in doubt, CALL THE HOTLINE! 

Donate to Anti-Slavery Organizations  

Any contribution helps, and what anti-slavery groups can do with your money will undoubtedly be meaningful. 

Volunteer to End Human Trafficking
Any anti-slavery organization in your community, a club on your campus, or professional establishment nearby would be grateful for your help.  Volunteering can be a way to make a major difference.  At some organizations, it could even lead to paid opportunities.

Foster Education on Human Trafficking
There are many misconceptions about human trafficking today - so get educated and help others do the same. Books and documentaries can illuminate many aspects of modern slavery, including “Understanding Global Slavery” by Kevin Bales and “A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face with Modern-Day Slavery” by Benjamin Skinner. Consider attending a community training, starting a library of anti-trafficking resources, or hosting a screening or book club of informational material.  

The Shalom Spiritual Center is committed to supporting local efforts to end human trafficking in Atlanta.   If you need help or have a tip about suspected exploitation, contact the Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Tracking at 1-866-ENDHTGA (1-866-363-4842). Visit their website to learn more.

Global Ministries (UCC and Disciples) have passed resolutions against human trafficking and called on members and congregations to engage in education about the issue of trafficking in persons and join advocacy efforts to end this criminal and abusive practice.   

If you need help or have a tip, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 or visit their website for more information.