The month of January was first declared as such in 2010 by the then President of the USA, Barack Obama. Slavery and human trafficking are often considered a historic problem, but sadly, it is an issue that is growing on a worldwide basis and one to which many people in our communities could be vulnerable. A highly lucrative business, albeit a horrible and criminal one, here in the USA we are seeing an increase in the number of instances reported and it is for these reasons that the awareness-raising prevention month was established.
Many organizations across the USA have developed awareness campaigns and material to help educate us on all of the signs, threats, and behaviors that are often displayed by those operating in or being subjected to slavery and human trafficking.
Some of the organizations involved and equipped to handle such matters include The National Human Trafficking Resource Centre, The National Child Traumatic Stress Centre, and The United Nations Blue Heart Campaign. These organizations illustrate the problem effectively through their use of frightening statistics and have some fantastic resources that assist in identifying potentially vulnerable people – particularly our young people.
So, take some time this January to find out more and help put an end to these horrific criminal acts.
For more information, please visit https://www.nctsn.org/resources/public-awareness/national-slavery-and-human-trafficking-prevention-month