WASHINGTON, D.C.—Every year since 2010, the President of the United States has proclaimed January “National Human Trafficking Prevention Month” which is recognized each year on January 11. In recognition of this important day, and throughout the month of January, Blue Campaign hosts several special events and educational activities, the largest being #WearBlueDay on January 11.

DOJ leadership joined together on #WearBlueDay to share the department's commitment to using every available resource to #EndHumanTrafficking, support trafficking survivors, and bring the perpetrators of these vicious crimes to justice.

Learn more: https://t.co/0kQMPDex30 pic.twitter.com/7Rpmvv88T6

— U.S. Department of Justice (@TheJusticeDept) January 11, 2024

Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion that is physical and/or psychological. The exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion is used by the trafficker.

Below are a few questions that can help identify whether a potential sex trafficking or labor trafficking situation is occurring.

• Has the victim been forced or coerced into performing commercial sex acts?
• Is the victim under the age of 18 and engaged in commercial sex?
• Is the victim free to contact friends or family without being coached or monitored?
• Is someone severely limiting the victim’s freedom of movement? 
• Has the victim or their family been threatened with harm if they attempt to leave?
• Has the victim been harmed, deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, or other life necessities?
• Is the victim in possession of their own travel/identification documents?
• Are the victim’s wages being unlawfully garnished to pay off a debt or fee?
• Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services?
• Has the victim been threatened with deportation or criminal charges?

If a situation arises where the answer to one or more of the above questions is “Yes”, the DOJ asks that you to join in the effort to combat human trafficking and report the information.  

If you are a victim of human trafficking, suspect you know one, or have seen a situation you think may involve trafficking please contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI, the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733), or your local law enforcement. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s Call Center at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Information on the Department of Justice’s efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.

SOURCE: Department of Homeland Security

FEATURED IMAGE: AG Merrick Garland, Department of Justice, https://x.com/TheJusticeDept/status/1745493393390682297?s=20