How you can help prevent human trafficking

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the president has dedicated the month to raising awareness about human trafficking and to educating the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. And you can help.

Human trafficking is a nationwide, public health concern impacting Veterans, their families and caregivers. VA has a critical role in this global effort to eliminate human trafficking. Be invested, increase your awareness about human trafficking and don’t miss the signs or opportunities to help.

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking means to control someone by forcing them to work against their will. Control can be through physical force, threats, debts or false promises. Work can be anything from manual labor to sex work to being a servant in a home.

Know the signs of trafficking

Human trafficking victims are often “hidden in plain sight.” This is primarily because the individual either is unaware they are being taken advantage of or they fear reporting it.

Signs of trafficking may include:

• Multiple bruises in different stages of healing
• Someone speaks for them at appointments (for those with no apparent cognitive impairment)
• May not have an address, may reside in a home with several other people, or may live in the same place they work
• Exposed to dangerous and inhuman conditions leading to injuries related to unsafe work environments or multiple sexually transmitted diseases
• Most frequently treated injuries include deep cuts, burns, skin injuries, effects of prolonged exposure to extreme temperatures or overexposure to chemicals, such as in a nail salon

Be aware. Be ready. Take action.

You may very likely encounter someone who is being trafficked. How can you help?

• Be supportive and non-judgmental
• Create a safe, welcoming environment
• Help raise awareness by sharing resources available at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
• Offer the Human Trafficking Hotline number 888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 23373

The face of human trafficking

Human trafficking can happen to anyone. There is no “one size fits all.” It impacts people of all ages, races, genders, nationalities and sexualities. It can happen in any setting, including cities, suburbs or rural areas.

Many traffickers target people who experience poverty, homelessness, unemployment and existing trauma. Traffickers often make false promises, such as making up false job opportunities, promising money or providing false emotional support.

Most people who experience sex trafficking are recruited through intimate partners or family members. Many traffickers prey on people’s vulnerabilities by creating a false sense of security and love for their victims, which is why it can be so difficult to detect until it is too late.

Reach out. Get help. Report trafficking.

If you or someone you know may be involved in human trafficking, contact the Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888, text BEFREE to 23373, or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org to learn more.

Show your support – Wear blue Jan. 11

Join VA in raising awareness about National Human Trafficking Prevention Month by wearing blue Jan. 11. Learn more here.

To learn more about human trafficking, explore these links:

• https://humantraffickinghotline.org/
• https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/wearblueday
• https://www.state.gov/humantrafficking-about-human-trafficking/
• https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/human-trafficking-a-hidden-problem/