Throughout Human Trafficking Awareness month in January, you likely saw social media posts, news articles, billboards, and more that highlighted the reality of this crime, both here in the U.S. and abroad. This information may have been new to you, or you may have heard about it before, but you are now asking yourself, “How do I become involved in …
From At-Risk to Advocate: Equipping and Empowering Students
As we continue our Back-to-School series, there cannot be enough emphasis on equipping and empowering students. From At-Risk to Advocate When we engage with communities, we often hear from parents, family members, teachers, or school staff about their concerns for the vulnerabilities students face. Whether through social media, the Internet, or socially, teens can be at-risk and not even know …
Can a Dress Change the World?
By guest writer: Annie Evelsizer It was mid-December and the bitter winds swept along the city street, empty of everything but snowdrifts in the early morning hours. She sipped a hot cup of coffee, warming her hands as she began getting ready for work. Normally on a day such as this, she would pull on her flannel lined trousers, possibly …
7 Ways You Can Support Survivors and Bring Holiday Cheer
The holidays have arrived, and for many survivors, this may be the first time they are safe, in a home, or sharing it with loved ones. You can help to make the holidays bright with these easy ways to give the gifts of joy, love, and wonderful memories. Decorating. Can you have too many decorations? Whether a survivor lives in …
In the Headlines
Take a moment to see what is happening in the news, nationally and internationally, to address human trafficking and the connected vulnerabilities. Take down of the largest darknet child pornography website | Earlier this month, U.S. and international agencies arrested and charged 337 users of the website that used Bitcoin to purchase videos. The operation resulted in the seizure …
Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Addressing Misconceptions
20,000 calls a day are placed to domestic violence hotlines. While you may know that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, do you know what you can do to help your local programs that serve domestic violence survivors? This month, we had the privilege of talking with several domestic violence programs to learn about their greatest needs, obstacles that …
Schools and Human Trafficking: Response and Protocol
If we know students are at-risk of human trafficking and exploitation, then what are schools doing to respond? Schools, teachers, professors, administrators, school nurses, bus drivers, SROs, custodial staff, coaches, advisors, and more are uniquely and strategically positioned to engage. University staff and educators regularly interact with students, notice when they are not present, and are aware of behavioral and …
Is My Student At-Risk?
Human trafficking is everywhere, including schools. The very idea seems unimaginable. And yet, whether a school is in an urban, suburban, or rural community, students may be at risk of human trafficking and exploitation. Any minor who is recruited for the purpose of commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. Federal law does not require force, fraud, or coercion. …
Is Human Trafficking Happening in My Community?
When people first learn about human trafficking, they often think that it must be happening “over there” – in another country, state, or city. They don’t often think it could be happening in their community. This may be because they already have an idea of what human trafficking looks like or only know about one form of human trafficking. But …
Do You Know What Human Trafficking Looks Like?
When people first learn about human trafficking, they learn the legal definitions of labor trafficking, sex trafficking, and sometimes organ trafficking. While this is important and foundational, knowing how human trafficking manifests is equally as important. Sex trafficking and labor trafficking can happen to men, women, and children, regardless of age. But knowing the definition is just the beginning – …