January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Every year since 2010, the President has dedicated the month to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. The U.S. Department of State raises awareness of human trafficking domestically and abroad, through U.S. embassies and consulates.
During this month, we celebrate the efforts of foreign governments, international organizations, anti-trafficking entities, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, communities of faith, businesses, and private citizens all around the world to raise awareness about human trafficking.
President Biden has proclaimed January 2023 as “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month,” reaffirming his Administration’s commitment to protect and empower survivors of all forms of human trafficking, to prosecute traffickers, and to bring an end to human trafficking in the United States and around the world.
Call to Freedom provides supportive services for victims of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in South Dakota. By creating a strong network of frontline providers who offer safe housing, mental health counseling, medical assistance, addiction assistance, transportation and other supportive services.
Every 30 seconds someone becomes a victim of human trafficking according to the Mariposa Women and Family Center. 40 million estimated people are in bondage across the globe according to the International Labor Organization. The average age of a trafficking victim is 14 years old according to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
Community events are available across the state to bring awareness regarding human trafficking. In addition Call to Freedom offers training videos specific to industries including medical training, trauma & trafficking, first responders, law enforcement, current statutes, and more. To learn more about the video training click here.
To learn more about Call to Freedom and efforts to stop human trafficking, visit their website www.calltofreedom.org.
