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Human Trafficking

Awareness • Action • Prevention

Did You Know?

“Human trafficking is defined by United States law as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will.”
  • The Victims
  • 40 million survivors globally (25% children).
  • In the US: 15k-50k women/children forced into sexual slavery annually.
  • 50%+ of coerced victims are aged 12-15.
  • The Crime
  • Generates $150 billion globally every year.
  • Individuals can be repeatedly sold (unlike drugs).
  • Recruitment via false promises of jobs (modeling/entertainment).
  • Circumstances
  • 771,480+ people experiencing homelessness (Jan 2024 data).
  • Internet is the primary recruitment avenue.
  • Traffickers manipulate victims by limiting online access or spreading falsehoods.
  • Polaris Project

Survivor Recruitment Data:

Family/Caregiver
33%
Intimate Partner
28%
Employer
22%

Featured Initiative

January 11: Awareness Day

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Philoptochos joins the nation on January 11th for #WearBlueDay. Together, we shine a light on the localized nature of this crime and support survivors.

victims globally are children.

of trafficked youth were targeted while homeless.

National Hotline

1-888-373-7888

Survivor Recruitment Data:

  • Recognizing the Signs

According to Love 146, runaway and homeless youth are at very high risk. Watch for these behavioral changes:

  • Staying out later / Pushing boundaries
  • Secretive conversations / Lying
  • Newly rebellious behavior
  • Accumulation of new possessions

At Risk Populations

Traffickers exploit anyone who can earn them a profit, regardless of background.
  • History of childhood abuse or neglect
  • Youth in foster care or juvenile justice systems
  • Survivors of domestic violence
  • Unaccompanied alien children

Mia's Story

Watch this animated story from the DHS Blue Campaign to see how grooming can happen in plain sight.

Reading List – July 2025

  • A Shield Against the Monster:Protecting Children from Human Trafficking – Carol Hart Metzker and Ann Marie Jones, 2019
  • Girls Like Us – Rachel Lloyd, 2011
  • The Slave Across the Street – Theresa L. Flores, 2010
  • Rescuing Hope – Susan Norris, 2012
  • In Our Backyard – Nita Belles, 2011
  • Hidden Girl – Shayima Hall, 2014

Chapter Outreach

Partner with local shelters, such as Covenant House, to offer both emotional and tangible support. Chapters can help meet immediate needs through donations of clothing and hygiene kits, prepared meals, access to counseling services, and support for temporary housing – providing comfort, dignity, and hope to those in need.

Education Advocacy

Use social media to seek help, create supportive networks, and become leaders in survivor advocacy within your parish community.

Safe Reporting

Do not attempt to intervene yourself. Call the National Hotline if you see suspicious activity in your local industry or community.

Top 10 Tips2Protect for Teens

  • Set all apps, games, and social accounts to private.
  • Turn off location services (GPS) on social media and all apps.
  • Never leave a game to chat on a different platform with strangers.
  • Do not delete messages. Save usernames and screenshots as evidence.
You have the power to make smart choices online. Use these tools to stay safe and confident while connecting with the things you love.
  • Is Your Youth Having Problems?

Watch for these signs of sexual exploitation online (Love 146):

  • Spending increasing amounts of time on the Internet.
  • Becoming increasingly secretive about technology use.
  • Shutting the door or hiding the screen when you enter.
  • Appearing scared or agitated when answering their phone.

Resources & Downloads

Did You Know? Fact Sheet
Top 10 Tips for Teens (PDF)
2025 Reading List (DOCX)

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