1. Everyone has the ability to contribute to the fight against human trafficking.
Here are 20 suggestions to consider.
2. Educate yourself on the signs of human trafficking through the TIP Office’s website or training sessions. Training is available for various groups, including individuals, businesses, law enforcement, educators, and more.
3. If you suspect human trafficking in the United States, contact the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or call 911 for emergencies. Victims, regardless of citizenship, are eligible for support and immigration assistance.
4. Be a responsible consumer by learning about the origins of products you purchase at ResponsibleSourcingTool.org or the Department of Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. Advocate for companies to address human trafficking in their supply chains. 5. Get involved in anti-trafficking initiatives in your local community by volunteering and offering support.
6. Engage with your elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels to express your concerns about human trafficking and inquire about their efforts to combat it.
7. Stay informed by setting up web alerts for human trafficking news and exploring resources like CNN’s Freedom Project for additional information.
8. Host events to raise awareness about human trafficking, such as film screenings or book discussions at your local library.
9. Organize fundraisers to support anti-trafficking organizations and contribute to their efforts.
10. Advocate for human trafficking education in schools and other educational institutions.
11. Consider if your workplace is trauma-informed and reach out to management or the Human Resources team to urge implementation of trauma-informed business practices.
12. Assist a young person or someone in need by becoming a mentor. Traffickers often target people who are going through a difficult time or who do not have strong support systems. As a mentor, you can have a positive impact on someone’s life during a formative time.
13. Learn about how human traffickers often target and recruit youth and who to turn to for help in potentially dangerous situations. Have community conversations with parent teacher associations, law enforcement, schools, and community members about safeguarding children in your community.
14. Learn how to recognize traffickers’ recruitment tactics, how to safely navigate out of suspicious or uncomfortable situations, and how to reach out for help at any time.
16. Faith-based communities can host awareness events and community forums with anti-trafficking leaders, or collectively support a local victim service provider.
Businesses should provide employment, internships, skills training, and other opportunities for trafficking survivors. Take measures to investigate and prevent human trafficking in your supply chains by consulting the Responsible Sourcing 15. Tool and Comply Chain to develop efficient management systems to detect, prevent, and combat human trafficking.
16. College students, it is imperative that you take action on your campus. Create or join a university club to raise awareness about human trafficking and initiate action throughout your local community. Consider writing one of your research papers on a topic related to human trafficking. Please include human trafficking in university curriculum.
17. Learn how to identify the indicators of human trafficking and provide assistance to victims. With the assistance of local anti-trafficking organizations, provide low-cost or free services to human trafficking victims. Resources from the Department of Health and Human Services are accessible on their website.
19. Journalists acknowledge that the media plays a significant role in shaping perceptions and guiding the public discourse regarding human trafficking. Investigate some media best practices for how to effectively and responsibly report stories on human trafficking.
20. Provide legal services for human trafficking victims, including support for those seeking benefits or special immigration status. Resources are readily available for attorneys representing victims of human trafficking.