On July 30th, we join the global community in observing World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This significant day serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking and the urgent need to support survivors in their journey to freedom and recovery. At Safe House Project, we are deeply committed to ensuring every child has the chance to escape this nightmare and find safety, hope, and a future free from exploitation.
Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) selects a theme each year to raise awareness and inspire action. This year’s theme, “Leave No Child Behind in the Fight Against Human Trafficking,” highlights a disturbing reality: an estimated 300,000 children are victims of sex trafficking in the United States annually. Globally, over 40 million people are trapped in modern slavery, many of whom are children.
A Call to Action: Protecting the Vulnerable
Our mission at Safe House Project is clear: to increase survivor identification, provide emergency services, and ensure access to safe housing and holistic care. Since our inception in 2017, we’ve launched numerous safe houses across the U.S., providing over 174,000 safe nights for survivors each year. Your support today can save a child's future. Help us combat child trafficking and provide critical support to survivors.
Here are different ways you can support World Day Against Trafficking in Persons today:
1. Donate
Make a financial contribution to Safe House Project. Your donations help provide essential care, safe environments, and comprehensive support services for children and survivors of trafficking. Every dollar counts towards creating a safe space for victims to rebuild their lives.
2. Raise Awareness
Share information about World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on social media. Use hashtags like #EndTrafficking, #SupportSurvivors, and #SafeHouseProject. Educate your friends and family about the signs of trafficking and the importance of supporting survivors.
3. Participate in Events
Join local or virtual events organized to commemorate World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Attend webinars, workshops, or community gatherings to learn more about trafficking and how you can help combat it.
4. Volunteer
Offer your time and skills to Safe House Project or similar organizations. Volunteers are crucial for various activities, from administrative support to mentoring survivors. Reach out to see how you can get involved.
5. Advocate
Support policy changes by signing petitions and contacting your local representatives. Advocate for stronger laws and policies that protect victims and hold traffickers accountable. Join our efforts in pushing for legislative changes that improve the support system for survivors.
6. Educate Yourself
Take an online course on trafficking awareness and prevention. Safe House Project offers training programs that equip you with the knowledge to spot, report, and prevent trafficking in your community.
7. Fundraise
Organize a fundraiser in your community, school, or workplace. Host events like bake sales, charity runs, or silent auctions to raise funds for Safe House Project. Every bit helps in providing resources for survivors.
8. Corporate Partnership
Encourage your company to partner with Safe House Project. Corporate sponsorships and donations can significantly impact the fight against trafficking. Advocate for your workplace to support our mission financially or through employee volunteer programs.
9. Spread the Word
Talk about trafficking issues with your peers. Educate others on the prevalence of human trafficking and how they can help. Awareness is the first step towards change.
10. Support Survivor Businesses
Buy products and services from businesses owned by trafficking survivors. This helps empower survivors economically and supports their journey toward independence and recovery.
By taking these actions, you can make a tangible impact on the lives of trafficking survivors and contribute to ending this grave violation of human rights. Together, we can bring hope, freedom, and a future to those affected by trafficking.
The Reality of Child Trafficking
It’s essential to understand the scope of the issue to address it effectively. Consider these alarming statistics:
- Average age of entry into child sex trafficking: 14.5 years.
- Percentage of minor survivors in some areas: 64% are 15 years old or younger.
- Risk of revictimization without proper care: 80% of trafficking victims will be revictimized without appropriate wraparound services.
These numbers paint a grim picture, but they also underscore the importance of our collective efforts. As Emily Brown, Director of Impact at Safe House Project, emphasizes, “It's so important that as a country we pause and acknowledge this awareness day to learn more about the second-fastest growing crime in America and the ways we as a national community can take steps to protect the vulnerable.”
The Power of Community Involvement
The fight against trafficking requires a collective effort. As Brittany Dunn, COO of Safe House Project, states, “We encourage everyone to become informed, spread awareness, and support organizations like Safe House Project that are on the front lines of this battle. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope, freedom, and a future to survivors of trafficking.”
In honor of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we’re launching a series of initiatives to support our mission. These include educational webinars and fundraising campaigns. We invite individuals, businesses, and community groups to get involved and support our cause.
About Safe House Project
Safe House Project is a national leader in the fight against child sex trafficking. Our mission is to increase survivor identification beyond 1%, provide emergency services and placement to survivors, and ensure every survivor has access to safe housing and holistic care. We work tirelessly to bring hope, freedom, and a future to survivors.
Together, let’s commit to leaving no child behind and ensuring a future free from exploitation and abuse. Join us in this critical fight and make a lasting impact on the lives of countless children.