Human Trafficking Awareness Month or Human Trafficking Prevention Month remains upon us. Throughout this month, more conversations are being had about human trafficking, what it entails, and how to prevent it.

This is good news; however, the work to eradicate human trafficking doesn't end when Human Trafficking Awareness/Prevention Month does. There have to be ongoing efforts to hold perpetrators accountable, rescue victims, and prevent future abuses from happening.

In Houston, Texas, one nurse who is also a survivor of human trafficking is working to raise awareness about this crime.

A direct account from nurse Rachel Fischer

During a sit-down with a Houston media channel, Fischer explained her experience with human trafficking began when she was just 14.

At this time, the abuse came from adults in the US foster care system. Based on her experience, the nurse explained that she wants others to know that hope and light at the end of the tunnel still exist.

Fischer is likewise featured in the "Surviving Sex Trafficking" documentary. In this documentary, the nurse's extensive efforts to combat human trafficking in real-time can be seen.

Some of her work involves assisting law enforcement officers, giving them information they need to prevent/halt human trafficking cases, and spreading awareness about how social media can be weaponized by human trafficking.

More insight from Fischer reveals the struggles that can emerge after one escapes trafficking. Many scars (physical and otherwise) still remain after the fact. It is also an unfortunate reality that not all scars fade with time.

More action from the government and communities

If there is one issue the government should be jumping all over, it is the fight against human trafficking. Multiple studies and reports indicate that human trafficking is growing, not waning.

Therefore, this speaks to a need for much stronger action at all levels to stop this heinous crime. Parents, school faculty members, and workers across various industries can also benefit from the following:

• Awareness of what human trafficking is and looks like
• Warning signs that someone is being trafficked
• Warning signs that someone is trafficking others
• Knowledge of how to report suspected human trafficking

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.