National Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2024

Human trafficking is difficult to discuss and is difficult to identify the warning signs. However, knowing the warning signs of human trafficking can prevent and stop this crime from occurring. Every year in January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Dedicate some time to learn about the warning signs of human trafficking and to bring awareness to your community. Also, wear a blue t-shirt, blue pants, or a blue accessory to bring awareness of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. 

Human trafficking is a crime because it is forced labor and fraudulent activities. Additionally, people are forced to work in harsh conditions and their payments are withheld. Every year some cases of Human trafficking go unreported out of fear and harassment. Furthermore, human trafficking occurs to minors, domestic employees, and anyone for sexual exploitation. Here is a brief list of the warning signs of human trafficking.

1. Working for many hours without taking a break.
2. Malnourished.
3. Payments are withheld, not paid enough money, or payments are not consistent.
4. Being locked in a room for commercial sex.
5. Physical bruises, cuts, black eyes, and physical scars. 
6. Living with their employer.
7. Forced prostitution and forced to do commercial sex in movies or videos.
8. Domestic work in their employer's home.
9. They cannot leave their place of work because of fear or having too much debt to their employer.
10. Doing forced labor because their documents are being withheld. 

Although this is a brief list of the warning signs of human trafficking; It is best not to help the victims by yourself without the help of authorities. Another warning sign is when too many people are living in small spaces with only one access to a restroom and a kitchen. Human trafficking can be hard to detect, and one must need to be alert to the warning signs. Take classes, join a workshop, or an on-campus event to prevent human trafficking and sex trafficking. Use the hashtags, #endtrafficking and #freedomfirst on social media. 

Talk to your children about human trafficking but keep the conversation simple so they can understand. Speak to them about the dangers of social media according to their age and their comprehension. As well as having a conversation about sex trafficking. Discuss ways they can protect themselves and their friends from these dangerous situations. Participate in school events and get the resources for having a conversation with your children regarding sex trafficking, abuse, and domestic violence. 

Do not scare your child but let them be informed about the dangers of human trafficking and sex trafficking. If you know or suspect someone is in a human trafficking situation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Survivors of human trafficking or sex trafficking can also contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Have a blue lightbulb on your porch, wear a blue ribbon, and pass out magnets or prevention brochures regarding human trafficking. Here are resources for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

How to Talk To Your Kids About Trafficking:

https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/how-talk-your-kids-about-trafficking

Human Trafficking-Recognizing the Signs:

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month:

https://hopeforjustice.org/national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevention-month/

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