Know the facts.
Find out how human trafficking happens in the United States. Be alert to situations the people around you may be experiencing.
Seek help.
You might know someone who is in a trafficking situation — a family member, student, patient, tenant, co-worker, or someone else. If you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking, there is help.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline provides free, confidential support, 24/7. Call 1-888-373-7888, text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE), or chat via humantraffickinghotline.org/chat.
Increase training.
Are you a professional working with people who may be experiencing or at risk of experiencing human trafficking? Check out the foundational and advanced trainings available through ourSOAR to Health and Wellness National Training Program. Need more training and technical assistance? Visit OTIP’sNational Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center to request a customized plan for your organization.
Speak out.
Share resources from the HHS Look Beneath the Surface Campaign in your local area. Let your network know that theNational Human Trafficking Hotlineis there to help. Askyour elected representativeswhat they are doing to stop human trafficking. Inform them about what your community needs.
Be there for people at risk.
You could be the friend or mentor needed now by a young person, a new immigrant, or someone else in in your community. Traffickers often seek out people who are facing a difficult situation, do not have resources to meet their needs, or are missing important social connections. Your support could make the difference.
Take action in your community.
Locate local anti-trafficking organizations.Ask them how you can help. They might need volunteers, resources, or help raising awareness.
Work with others in your community to create “protective factors” for people who are at risk of trafficking or experiencing it now. These factors range from access to safe housing and health and mental health services to employment, childcare and education. Learn more from webinar series on protective factors for children (Part 1 and Part 2).
Build partnerships.
Connect with the professionals and institutions — from schools to health care providers — that may be serving people who are experiencing human trafficking. Createprotective workplace settings with ethical policies and procurement practices.Hire qualified people with lived experience of trafficking in your business or nonprofit. Review theBuilding Survivor-Informed Organizations Toolkit.
Tap your skills and networks.
Are you a teacher or school administrator? Create a human trafficking school safety protocol. Work at a hospital emergency room, urgent care center, substance use clinic, or mental health center? Read theCore Competencies for Human Trafficking Response in Health Care and Behavioral Health Systems. Are you an attorney? Consider providing pro-bono services.
Think before you buy.
Consider how you shop and eat. Who made your clothes? Who prepared your food? Find out which goods may be produced by child or forced labor.
Meanwhile, be aware: The U.S. Government has zero tolerance policies for employees, uniformed service members, and contractors engaged in forced labor or paying for sex. Get details on theFederal Acquisition Regulations to combat human trafficking.
Stay current.
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