In 2007, the US Senate established January 11 as a day to be observed annually for National Human Trafficking Awareness. Since its establishment, nonprofits, corporate organizations, and the general public, including individuals, have contributed in many ways to the cause of eradicating human trafficking. You should also know that the whole of January is recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
Interestingly, human trafficking, including the exploitation and domestic sex trafficking of minors, is still rife in our communities. Perpetrators live amongst us, and they're committing these crimes right under our nose, yet hidden in plain sight. So as January 11 draws nearer this year, one thing we can do to support the cause is to observe the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Wondering how to participate? We've got some great ideas you'd want to consider.
However, before we check those out, let's look at some key things to keep in mind as you observe the National Human Trafficking Awareness day this year.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking can be described as exploiting another person for labor or profit. Human trafficking can take the form of domestic servitude, forced labor, sex trafficking, and forced marriage. Human trafficking entails enslaving or exploiting other people against their will. Human trafficking is considered modern-day slavery. Slavery has been in existence for hundreds of years – and despite having been outlawed globally, it is still very much in practice.
Today, people are deceived in their home countries and promised a better life abroad, only to be sold into a life of servitude in foreign countries. From countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and India in South Asia to Nigeria and Ghana off the West African coast, and even Brazil in South America, human beings are still being smuggled for profit. Interestingly, places like the United States are top destinations with thriving hubs for this kind of merchandise.
This is the issue that the National Human Trafficking Awareness day is meant to address.
How to Observe the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Here are some great ways you can participate this year:
Volunteer at nonprofits around you
There are many nonprofits serving different areas across the country. You can join an anti-slavery campaign or organization in your community. If you’re a student, you can join a campus club or another professional organization that speaks out on the matter. You can participate as an advocate, a donor, a sponsor, a professional, such as an attorney, a journalist, etc.
Educate your circle
The best way to fight human trafficking in general, sexual exploitation of children, and forced labor is to educate more people about the crime. A piece of simple information about where to report a suspected trafficking case can save a life. You can read press releases, watch documentaries to stay updated on current happenings, so you too can educate others. You can also follow anti-trafficking organizations like Love146, Polaris, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, and Agape International Missions.
Donate to anti-slavery organizations
You may not realize it, but many organizations are on the frontlines, championing the cause. In the US, you can donate financially or otherwise to organizations like Polaris, Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking, Coalition Against Trafficking in Women, and Agape International Missions. But the needs of these organizations typically transcend just January 11. In other words, until human trafficking has been completely eradicated, there is always a need to support those actively involved in the process.
Here are some specific reasons why you need to be part of the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day this year:
Human trafficking takes many forms, but approximately 80% of human trafficking involves the sexual exploitation of women.
It is estimated that approximately 20-40 million people are enslaved globally
Human trafficking is a thriving global business with a profit of $32 billion generated every year across the globe.
While human trafficking can affect anyone, it disproportionately affects women. Women are far more vulnerable to traffickers than men.
Knowing the signs of trafficking can save more lives than you can know.
You, too, can join the Mission Haven
The Mission Haven is a nonprofit, charity-funded organization focused on providing a comprehensive and transformational Haven of Healing for victims and survivors of child sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. We believe that every single DMST or child sex trafficking survivor still has a chance at life at its best.
Our goal at The Mission Haven is to provide them with all the support they need to start over. With your generous donations and support, we can continue to provide a truly safe haven of hope and healing equipped with essential resources to lift victims and survivors of domestic minor sex trafficking. To give, volunteer, or become a partner, please contact us today.
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