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For many people, January marks the start of a new year. This is a time when people often set (and work to achieve) their new year's resolutions. People may also try unexplored activities or otherwise venture out in celebration of a new year.

However, while January does mark a new start, a new year, and new possibilities, it is also Human Trafficking Awareness Month or Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

Unfortunately, human trafficking remains an ongoing stain on society. Many people suffer at the hands of human traffickers. This form of modern-day slavery exists in every nation around the world and in every state across America.

However, as a new year gets started, there are some critical details to know about human trafficking and how to join the fight against it.

Getting involved with anti-human trafficking organizations makes a difference

In 2023, there are multiple organizations dedicated to the fight against human trafficking. Operation Underground Railroad, A21, Free A Girl, Slavery Free World, and The Nazarene Fund are just a few examples.

Some great ways to support these anti-human trafficking organizations are as follows:

• Following them on social media and spreading the word about the fight against human trafficking
• Donating and/or purchasing merchandise
• Attending events
• Taking advantage of volunteer opportunities

There is no time like the present to help raise awareness and join with those who are committed to a world without human trafficking.

It matters how human trafficking is talked about

Many people have been misguided into believing that most human trafficking incidents transpire like the plot of the 2008 movie, Taken.

Taken was a huge hit and a much-loved film. However, the majority of human trafficking incidents do not involve one traveling overseas and being abducted from a hotel room by strangers.

Many human traffickers pose as friends, love interests, boyfriends/girlfriends, and even employers. Oftentimes, traffickers take time to build rapport with victims and subsequently isolate them from others before exploitation begins.

Dispelling myths about human trafficking and sharing the facts remains critical during Human Trafficking Awareness Month and every month thereafter.

Warning signs

These days, one can never be too careful. Many human traffickers are taking advantage of platforms like the internet, social media, dating websites, job forums, etc., to search for new victims.

Therefore, beware of the following warning signs that may indicate someone is being targeted by a trafficker....

Labor/sex trafficking red flags 

• Job listing offers massive pay for seemingly little work
• Few specific details about the job in question
• Job interview location listed in shady area/personal home
• Hard or impossible to check out the employer online
• Partner/romantic interest quickly makes grand promises of a better life, grand opportunities
• Partner/romantic interest works to isolate target from family, friends, and support systems outside of themselves

Unfortunately, human traffickers rarely show their true colors until they already have someone in a vulnerable position. By this time, the individual in question has little ability to fight back, escape, or truly defend themselves.

Many human traffickers also confiscate the travel documents and other important records of their victims as a means of preventing their escapes.

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.