On January 1st, 2021, we ushered in a new year while saying goodbye to 2020. But the turn of the calendar also marks the beginning of an extremely important month in the United States: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
In a recent proclamation from the White House, President Trump called upon industry associations, law enforcement, private businesses, faith-based organizations, survivors and advocates, schools, families, and all Americans to recognize their vital roles in ending all forms of modern slavery. He also urged everyone to observe the programs and activities aimed at ending and preventing all forms of human trafficking.
40.3 million people are trapped in forced labor, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, and forced marriage.
–Hope for Justice
Women and girls account for 71% of modern slavery victims globally.
–Hope for Justice
Hope for Justice is an organization that investigates cases of human trafficking and works closely with law enforcement to rescue victims and ensure evidence is gathered against perpetrators to see them brought to justice. Their list of 12 key indicators below is a vital resource in the fight against human trafficking.
Spot the Signs of Human Trafficking
Knowing how to spot the signs of human trafficking could save lives. It’s important to consider the indicators as a whole. Bear in mind that spotting one, two, or even three to a person does not mean they are necessarily trafficked. It’s important, however, to report the suspicions you have about human trafficking in your area.
The actions you take today could help mitigate and remove this abhorrent evil from society. Learn more and discover how to fight back with these hard-working organizations:
Hope For Justice
Hope For Justice exists to bring an end to modern slavery by preventing exploitation, rescuing victims, restoring lives, and reforming society. Their team of investigators is drawn from some of the most respected and prestigious law enforcement agencies in the country, such as the FBI and NCIS. Their U.S. office number is 615-356-0946 and you can also discover more by visiting their website.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
The National Human Trafficking Hotline connects victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and supports to get help and stay safe. They receive tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitate reporting that information to the appropriate authorities. Anti-trafficking hotline advocates speak English and Spanish and can communicate with callers in more than 200 additional languages with a 24-hour tele-interpreting service. Visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline website for more information.
Anyone in need of assistance and/or resources related to human trafficking can contact the hotline by calling toll-free:
1-888-373-7888
EndSlaveryNow.Org
End Slavery Now partners with antislavery organizations in the United States and across the globe. It is a project of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Because they partner with organizations working on the ground, their initiatives impact hotspots throughout the world. The organization is building a community of activists that can work alongside lawyers, law enforcement, and service providers to not only address the victims and consequences of slavery but to end the practice. Visit endofslaverynow.org to learn more about how you can help.
Preventing and completely eliminating these two terrible atrocities from our world is no easy task. We hope you consider National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month seriously, and do your part to fight back.
Contributor, designer & admin for JohnHart Gazette.
