National Human Trafficking Prevention Month takes place in January and aims to raise awareness about the escalating issue of human trafficking and to educate the public on recognizing this crime to prevent it. According to recent statistics, over 16,600 people are trafficked in the U.S. every year.

Of that number, approximately 10,800 people are trafficked for sex, 3,500 for labor, and 1,600 for unspecified reasons. It is crucial for everyone to observe this month and learn how to identify and combat human trafficking in their communities.

The History of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act was enacted in 2000 as a commitment to fight human trafficking both domestically and internationally. In 2010, National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month was proclaimed by then-President Obama. This month has been observed annually since then.

Facts About Human Trafficking

We conducted some research and discovered facts that we believe our readers should be aware of. We have listed these facts below, so let’s examine them.

• Human trafficking involves not only forced prostitution but also can include forced labor, marriage, and even organ removal.
• It is estimated that up to 40 million people are in modern slavery today.
• It is estimated that less than 0.05% of human trafficking survivors are identified.
• Over 50,000 people are trafficked into the U.S. every year, with most coming from Mexico and the Philippines.
• Over half of the human trafficking cases in the U.S. involve sex trafficking cases that include only children.
• It is estimated that between 14,000 and 50,000 women and children are forced into sexual slavery in the U.S.
• The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act has facilitated the prosecution and sentencing of traffickers.
• Human trafficking is estimated to be a $150 billion per year industry.

Observing National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

People can observe this month by ensuring they educate themselves about human trafficking. If everyone works together, we can end human trafficking in our lifetime, which is the goal this month aims to highlight.

It is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement to address this problem; it is incumbent upon everyone to assist. To spread awareness about this month, we encourage everyone to use the hashtag #HumanTraffickingPreventionMonth on social media.