January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is a federal agency designed to protect the United States against threats. The Blue Campaign, by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s (DHS), is an effort to combat human trafficking.

Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, the Blue Campaign strives to protect the fundamental right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. To educate, spread awareness and end Human Trafficking, January has been nationally designated as Human Traffick Awareness month. During January, advocates, organizations, and individuals unite to raise awareness about the issue of human trafficking.

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is a modern term that has become synonymous with slavery. Contrary to popular belief, slavery and human trafficking are still occurring in the United States. Based on reported cases, and the projections made by the International Labour Organization, there are approximately 40 million victims of human trafficking and slavery. It is believed that there are millions of more unreported cases.

Human traffickers are criminals who prey on those they see as vulnerable. Personal Vulnerability can include those who are going through emotional or psychological strife as well as those who are facing political or economic instability. Victims of human trafficking are forced into situations against their will through coercion and fear of mental and physical harm.

Human Trafficking Hotline

In 2007 the Department of Health and Human Services and Polaris worked together to create a Human Trafficking Hotline. Since it launched, it has had over 150,000 calls. A large portion of those calls helped lead authorities in the right direction of traffickers. The Human Trafficking Hotline also gives callers important information concerning suspicious activities and signs to recognize. Just a few of these indicators include a lack of control, poor physical or mental health, a lack of knowledge of whereabouts, or abnormal behavior.

Fighting Against Human Trafficking

The United States has actively worked towards fighting human trafficking. There have been several state and federal laws implemented to combat human trafficking. One such law was passed in Pennsylvania. In 2014 the state made it legal for victims of human trafficking to sue those who indirectly profited from their abuse.

KBA Attorneys fight to bring justice to their clients every day. With decades of experience and dedication, the attorneys at Ketterer, Browne, and Associates, LLC expect nothing less than a fair resolution and battle for their clients to get there. With their help, more and more victims of human trafficking have found compensation. If someone you know needs help, contact KBA Attorneys for a free case evaluation today.