Human Trafficking Awareness Day

January is known as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. January 11th is known as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

On this day, we wear blue. Why? This day was initiated by the Department of Homeland Security in 2010 to acknowledge the nationwide issue of trafficking in nation. All over the United States of America, we wear blue and give voice to the voiceless men and women trapped in the human trafficking, modern day slavery. On this day we appreciate the hard work of federal and state institutions, non-profit organizations and each and every individual abolitionist. 

Why do we need awareness?

 Many individuals are aware of human trafficking internationally but are unaware of how prevalent it is in the United States of America. Although slavery was abolished in America in the 1850’s, it still exists today and strips 40 million individuals of freedom worldwide. Human trafficking is the fastest growing criminal activity.

It is estimated that in the state of Texas, there are 313,000 victims of human trafficking.79,000 of those are minor and youth sex trafficking victims. 

Awareness matters because countless men, women, and children are trapped, and they need their communities to speak up and do something.

How trafficking happens:

Human trafficking can be defined as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for economic gain.

Force– Individuals are kidnapped and forced into sexual exploitation.

Fraud– Traffickers often use the recruitment technique of false job offers. Traffickers will charge the individual a fee for recruitment, and sometimes confiscate legal documents.

Coercion– A common way traffickers recruit is by appealing to the emotional, physical, relational needs of an individual. Appearing as a lover and friend. Females are often trafficked through coercion with a man that was allegedly a boyfriend.

There are various types of trafficking such as sex trafficking, forced labor, and organ trafficking.

How to spot trafficking:

Human trafficking can appear in plain sight, so being aware of what possible sights may aid in the identification of an individual.

Physical Indicators– Branding, signs of being denied food, water, sleep, or poor personal hygiene. Bruising, scaring, or untreated medical problems.

Situational indicators– Domineering figure always present, always under watch, no personal possession of legal documents, not allowed to make personal decisions, lacks financial control, only has a phone despite a lack of other basic belongings.

Behavioral indicators– Nervousness, withdrawn, distrustful, appears isolated, coerced into drug use.

How to report trafficking:

If you suspect it report it:

Texas Hotline Number: “Text HELP to BEFREE (233733)”

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1 (800) 843-5678 or 1 (800) THE-LOST

National Human Trafficking Resource Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Thank you for doing your part to raise awareness. 

We know there will be a day when everyone everywhere will be free.

Treasured Vessels Foundation longs for a community, a country and world where people are free from enslavement. We seek justice, dignity, and hope. We desire for people to learn to look past brokenness and cracks on the outside to reveal the treasure inside.

“About the Blue Campaign.” Department of Homeland Security, 25 June 2019, https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/about-blue-campaign.

“The Facts.” Polaris, 9 Nov. 2018, https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/facts.