Human trafficking is one of the gravest injustices in the modern world.
As of 2024, there are 49.6 people enslaved worldwide, including 12 million children. This issue, often perceived as distant, happens daily under our noses. All 50 U.S. states have reported human trafficking, and the industry is now the second most profitable illegal trade in the world.
The prevalence of modern slavery is jarring, but there are steps we all can take to help end such heinous crimes. Each act, no matter how big or small, contributes to the societal change we need.
Here are four practical ways you can join the fight against human trafficking from wherever you are in the world.
Education is foundational in the fight against human trafficking. Recognizing the signs of trafficking and knowing the facts can equip anyone to stop human trafficking and help those who might be suffering. Start by educating yourself and others on indicators of human trafficking.
Indicators of Human Trafficking
Lack of Control Over Personal Situation: Victims often appear disoriented or show signs of mental or physical abuse. They may not have control over their identification documents and might be coached on what to say.
Poor Living Conditions: Individuals might live in unsuitable or overcrowded conditions. They may lack personal possessions and have an unstable living situation. Signs of being denied basic needs such as food, water, sleep, or medical care are also common.
Behavioral Changes: Sudden changes in behavior, such as becoming fearful, submissive, or withdrawn, can indicate trafficking.
Isolation: Trafficking victims often appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or places of worship. They may not attend school or have stopped attending it abruptly.
Signs of Physical Abuse: Bruises or other signs of physical harm in various stages of healing can indicate trafficking. Victims may be reluctant to seek help due to fear of their traffickers or law enforcement.
If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a national 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual anti-trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Above all, In a world steeped in misinformation, finding reliable resources for spreading awareness is key. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops provides a comprehensive collection of faith-based resources for taking action against trafficking, and government resources like the DHS’ Blue Campaign have a variety of ways you can educate yourself and get involved.
Nonprofit organizations play a critical role in the fight against human trafficking. These organizations provide holistic support for survivors of sexual exploitation and lead the charge in ending trafficking from the front lines.
You can get involved by identifying a charity to support or volunteering at local organizations. These organizations often need help with variety of tasks, so you may be asked to volunteer in various capacities including:
Organizing or participating in awareness campaigns or educational sessions,
Helping with grant writing or fundraising
Providing support at shelters, including helping with daily activities, meal preparation, and general companionship.
Offering language assistance, if you speak multiple languages,
Providing tutoring, job training, or other educational services to survivors.
MercyWorks supports victims of human trafficking through our initiatives through the Sunflower Center in the Philippines. Focused on therapeutic healing and psychosocial support for children who have been abused or neglected, the Sunflower Center works alongside governmental centers and other non-profit organizations to restore children to families and heal the wounds that keep them from thriving.
Policy and legislation attack human trafficking on a global scale, preventing exploitation and providing life-saving resources to survivors. Reach out to lawmakers through an email or letter to urge them for stronger regulations and laws. You can use the site govtrack.us to identify your representatives based on your location.
Better policies surrounding human trafficking have the potential to allocate resources and awareness to stop it for good.
Prayer is a powerful tool to fight injustice in the world. By turning to God in prayer, we cast all our cares on Him, knowing that He is in control. You can start by praying for an end to human trafficking by reciting the prayer from the USCCB:
Loving Father,
We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved.
For those forced into labor, trafficked into sexual slavery, and denied freedom.
We beseech you to release them from their chains.
Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment.
Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning.
Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes.
Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation.
For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen
Praying a novena is also a powerful way to intercede for an end to human trafficking. Pray the novena to St. Maria Goretti, patroness of human trafficking victims, for the healing and restoration of all those afflicted.
Our missions at MercyWorks support vulnerable communities throughout the world. Through our work at the Sunflower Center, we aim to help end the global devastation caused by human trafficking. Remember that no action is too small in this fight and it takes dedication from us all to see its end!