11th January: Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th brings attention to a crime that leaves a lasting toll on human life, families, and communities around the world.

Beginning in 2010, by Presidential Proclamation, each January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  Following the start of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with the help of non-government organizations, National Human Trafficking Day began and is observed annually on January 11th.

Human trafficking is considered a modern form of slavery. This illegal act involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or sex. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises to lure their victims into trafficking situations. Trafficking victims usually experience physical and/or psychological abuse. They might also endure sexual abuse, food and sleep deprivation, threats to family members, and isolation from the outside world. Family members of the victim may also get threatened.

The goal of the day is to bring greater awareness to the crime of sex trafficking. Each year, organizations around the globe provide support to communities, training to volunteers and educational events to increase awareness.