An estimated 27 million people worldwide are subjected to human trafficking, which includes both sex trafficking and forced labor. In the United States, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received tens of thousands of reports last year, showing trafficking continues to affect communities across the country.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness and educate the public on how to recognize and report trafficking. In Indiana, lawmakers have strengthened efforts to address this crime. In 2018, the General Assembly passed House Enrolled Act 1260, which significantly updated Indiana's human trafficking statutes and redefined trafficking-related offenses to better protect victims. Last year, Indiana passed a law requiring rest stops, gas stations, welcome centers and businesses to display human trafficking awareness information.
Human trafficking incidents can occur in any community. The National Human Trafficking Hotline lists warning signs and social factors that can increase vulnerability to trafficking. For more information click here.
Jan. 11 is recognized as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, also known as Wear Blue Day. Blue is the international color for human trafficking awareness and serves as a reminder to start conversations and challenge misconceptions about trafficking.
If you see something, say something. You can call the hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "BEFREE" or "HELP" to 233733. To learn more about human trafficking and ways you can help prevent it, click here.
