Human Trafficking, concept image by Tapas Kumar Halder, Author Tapas Kumar Halder, (CC BY-SA 4.0 International)
We conclude our discussion of the blight of human trafficking with suggestions as to how the public can prevent and respond to this profound evil [1].
What You Can Do
Concerned as they may be, most people are overwhelmed by the magnitude of human trafficking — at a loss for how they can make a difference. But there are things the average person can do [2]:
- Become educated about human trafficking, and stay alert to the situations people may be experiencing.
- Share information about human trafficking with family, friends, neighbors, business associates, and fellow bloggers.
- Support local anti-trafficking organizations, either financially or by volunteering. Pro bono attorneys are especially needed. An online directory of community organizations is available here: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/find-local-services.
- Buy with care. Consider where (and by whom) food, clothing, jewelry, electronics, and other items were produced. An extensive list of items made by forced labor or child labor can be found here: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/ilab/reports/child-labor/list-of-goods.
- Get help for a family member, co-worker, student, tenant, patient, or someone else in need. The National Human Trafficking Hotline https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/contact provides free confidential support, 24/7. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE).
- Partner with the schools, healthcare providers, and other institutions and professionals serving those experiencing human trafficking. Together with them, craft student safety programs for children at risk, fair workplace protocols, and ethical procurement practices at places of employment. Work for safe and affordable housing, and accessible healthcare.
- Speak out. Inquire what elected representatives are doing about human trafficking. Urge that trafficking be made a priority.
Training
For professionals already working with those at risk for or experiencing human trafficking, there is a Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit in pdf format available at https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/otip/Human%20Trafficking%20Prevention%20Month%20Toolkit_January%202024.pdf.
Both basic and advanced training can be obtained from SOAR https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/soar [3].
There is additional training available from the Office of Trafficking in Human Persons through its National Human Trafficking Training Center and Technical Assistance Center https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/technical-assistance . A customized training plan can be created for participating organizations.
Prayer
If we can do nothing else, we can pray. Prayer is a powerful weapon.
What we must not do is turn aside, and do nothing.
[1] Wikipedia, “Human trafficking in the United States”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_trafficking_in_the_United_States.
[2] Administration for Women & Children, Dept. of Health and Human Services, “SOAR”, https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/soar.
Parts 1 and 2 in this series were posted 1/14 and 1/21, respectively.
FOR MORE OF MY ARTICLES ON POVERTY, POLITICS, AND MATTERS OF CONSCIENCE CHECK OUT MY BLOG A LAWYER’S PRAYERS AT: https://alawyersprayers.com
ANNA WALDHERR A Voice Reclaimed, Surviving Child Abuse 
Anna, this problem is so big and overwhelming but as you concluded we can pray.
Father God, each child or person that is in forced labor is not out of Your sight or care. They are created in Your likeness and image. Protect them, be merciful, and free them, Lord God.
Humble the rest of us to live according to Your plan and purpose. Give us the wisdom and passion to love all people as if they are our own family–using wisdom concerning our purchases. In Jesus’ name, amen.
I wholeheartedly join in your prayer, Manette. ❤
Vielen Dank für Deine wertvolle Arbeit und die Hinweise, worauf man achten soll, wie man Zeichen des Missbrauchs besser deuten und Hilfe holen kann. LG M.
Wir alle müssen dazu beitragen, diesem Übel ein Ende zu setzen. LG, A. ❤
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Anna,
It amazes me (and this reveals I have more maturing to do of course), that each blog, is a fresh and deeper perspective on some of the things few will look at, let alone bring to light.
It is difficult to put to words, without being redundant on a regular basis, how your posts convict, exhort, and raise HIs holy fire within me to pray without ceasing, and protect without exception.
Thank you for your voice as always
Your brother,
D~
You cannot know how much that means to me, David. I can only hope that the little I am able to do has some impact. Though darkness is rising, we must not lose hope. It is immensely heartening to me that there are good men like you in the world — good fathers, good husbands, and devoted men of God.
Your sister,
A.
Anna! My apologies.. I did not see this note from you until now. Oh how you are a blessing to so many more than you know… thank you always for so many things.
Your honor is greater than the recipient.. I am humbled and blessed more than you realize.
Your Brother in NY
David
Anna,
Much to say, but this
“Speak out.”…. this has given me such pause with Father.
Oh that we would not be so ensnared with the false worst system of this world which causes us to fear man.
Thank you
Your Brother,
D~
Truly this is a broken world. Our only hope is in Christ.
Your sister,
A.