July 30th is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Human trafficking continues to be present in countries all around the world and has been reported in every state in the United States. Take time this month to learn what human trafficking looks like throughout the world, tactics traffickers use to exploit vulnerable persons, what resources exist that you and your network can implement, and how you can bring awareness and educate your friends, family, and community. We believe that when we work together, miracles are possible.
World Day Against Trafficking in Persons
Established by the United Nations, World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is recognized around the world on July 30th. This year’s theme focuses on “victims’ voices lead the way” and emphasizes the importance of learning from victims’ experiences and turning their suggestions into actionable steps. In order to address human trafficking, both in your local community and beyond, it is important to hear from survivors.
Published Reports
Staying up-to-date with the latest research, published reports, and collective information is critical to not only understanding what human trafficking looks like, but also latest trends and tactics of traffickers and their impact on survivors. Staying informed on local and global levels can inform how you on how to respond.
- In the United States, the U.S. State Department has released the 2020 Trafficking in Persons Report, detailing the response of over 180 countries around the world. The report also examines the impact of COVID-19 on human trafficking globally.
- The UNDOC 2020 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons covers 148 countries and provides an overview of trafficking in persons globally, regionally, and nationally. The report offers regional analysis and country profiles.
- The Human Trafficking Institute has released their annual Federal Human Trafficking Report that provides comprehensive data from every federal criminal and civil human trafficking case that United States courts handle every year. The data in the report includes the types of trafficking cases, profiles of the trafficker, details about the trafficking scheme, demographics of the victim, the district where the case took place, and more.
- The Annie E. Casey Foundation has released the 2020 Kids Count Data Book that describes how children and families across the United States were doing before and throughout the pandemic. This report ranks states and compares statistics from previous years.
- The Samaritan Women Institute for Shelter Care conducts and collaborates on research related to restorative care for victims of exploitation, often within the context of residential care. Research includes studies, toolkits, and publications.
- The Human Trafficking Legal Center offers publications on a range of legal topics related to civil litigation, labor trafficking, tax, and more.
Prevention Resource Highlight
If you are looking to educate teens about sex trafficking but don’t know where to start, Cool Aunt Series will equip you with the knowledge and ongoing resources you need. This 12-episode series will educate teens and parents on the 7 risk factors that lead to sex trafficking and provide ongoing resources to help avoid and overcome those risk factors
Ending Human Trafficking Podcast Episode
Listen in to this podcast episode as Dr. Sandie Morgan and Kathy McGibbon Givens discuss how to get “unstuck” in survivor aftercare. They consider the language we use, aftercare programs, and holistic approaches when serving survivors on their journey to become unstuck.
Kathy McGibbon Givens is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Twelve 11 Partners and is an appointed member of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Listen in to her experience and knowledge regarding practical and effective approaches.
News & Highlights
Have you seen these latest news stories and highlights?
- How Facebook failed to protect against teen sex trafficking
- Texas‘ new felony law
- Google’s new default settings for K-12 Chromebooks and products
- Why 30 women have filed a lawsuit related to videos being posted without their consent
Consider who you can share these resources with and let us know how they were helpful to you!