Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Connecting the Dots. Strengthening Communities. Preventing Trafficking.
January 2025 marks Human Trafficking Prevention
Month. This year’s theme focuses on a holistic
approach to prevent trafficking by recognizing its
connections to other forms of violence and abuse,
such as labor exploitation, online harassment and
abuse, and interpersonal violence. By understanding
factors such as economic mobility, the desire for
connection, technology, and market dynamics, we
can identify and disrupt recruitment schemes while
reducing vulnerabilities.
This month calls for collective action to strengthen
prevention at every level: individual, relational, community
and societal. By addressing root causes, strengthening
relationships, and fostering collaboration across sectors,
we can prevent exploitation before it begins.
Human Trafficking Among Runaway and Homeless Youth
Recent research among homeless youth identified distinct, but intersecting, risk factors for Human Trafficking
within this population:
- sexual abuse
- emotional abuse
- physical abuse
- drug or alcohol abuse
- history of arrest
- foster care involvement
- dropping out of school
- disabling conditions
- mental health issues
- witnessing violence in the home
Stay informed and engaged throughout January by visiting the Office on Trafficking in Persons website for news, resources and events.