According to the Blue Campaign, an initiative of the U.S. Department of Justice that is raising awareness about human trafficking, this crime is a worldwide issue that affects men, women, and children. There is no place that is free from its harm, and there is no place where human traffickers will not prey on and lure in victims.
Data at state.gov shows that 27.6 million people are subjected to human trafficking around the world. And in our nine-county service area here in Kentuckiana, The Center for Women and Families provided services to nearly 40 survivors of human trafficking in 2023.
We can stop human trafficking and hold perpetrators accountable for their violence
The alarming number of people who are being harmed or impacted by human trafficking shines a harsh light on its prevalence in our society. Bystanders and everyday citizens may feel there is nothing they can do to help victims, but there are ways everyone can play a role in bringing an end to this crime and holding perpetrators accountable for their heinous acts of violence.
Learning more about the facts and how to recognize human trafficking are two key ways to help.
For a starting point, The DOJ defines human trafficking as a crime that “involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor service (labor trafficking), or to engage in commercial sex acts (sex trafficking).” The DOJ reports that the coercion can be subtle or overt, physical, or psychological, and that luring a minor into commercial sex acts is human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion are used.
Victims of human trafficking come from every background, race, color, and socioeconomic status. Perpetrators may prey on individuals they perceive as vulnerable, and they typically use the same power and control tactics as perpetrators of intimate partner violence to intimidate and maintain dominance over their victims.
The Center for Women and Families works 24/7 to help end human trafficking
Because human trafficking often thrives in silence even as it (many times) operates in plain sight, it is important to believe victims when they do speak up. Listen to their stories, and then inform them of confidential, free services that are available to assist them, such as those offered by The Center for Women and Families, which works 24/7 to help end human trafficking. The Center provides supportive services to survivors, including legal advocacy, residential and transitional housing, therapy, and resource navigation.
The Center’s crisis line is available to help survivors prepare a safety plan and coordinate travel to safe housing and/or a medical facility. The Center’s crisis response staff uses evidence-based tools to screen for red flags and can connect survivors with other community services.
If you suspect someone is experiencing #humantrafficking or if you need help, please call our 24/7 crisis line at 1-844-237-2331 to receive support and guidance from a trained advocate.
