Human trafficking impacts millions of people around the world each day, with sex trafficking and labor trafficking being the most prevalent forms. However, there is hope in the fight to stop human trafficking. Here are 10 proven strategies, beginning with five immediate actions you can take.
Raise Awareness – Protect Your Children
This is the first line of defense against trafficking. When people understand human trafficking and its warning signs, they’re better equipped to combat trafficking in their communities. For parents, protecting children from trafficking involves educating them about online risks.
In just 2020 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified a 22% increase in online recruitment into trafficking schemes, with the internet being the primary location where traffickers target potential victims. And according to a 2023 WeProtect Global Alliance report, online predators can initiate contact with a minor in just 19 seconds.
Our Rescue, a leading anti-trafficking organization, offers educational resources about trafficking victims and warning signs. We also provide a FREE PDF to help parents initiate crucial safety conversations with their children.
Encourage Policy Change
Everyone has a voice in the fight to stop human trafficking. Use yours to spark needed changes at local, national, or international levels. Policy changes, including the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, can provide enhanced protection for trafficking victims, increased survivor support, and stricter consequences for human traffickers. Here’s how to encourage change:
- Vote
- Write to elected officials
- Participate in peaceful demonstrations
- Share verified facts from official secure websites
Monitor Supply Chains
Sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation often operate through seemingly legitimate businesses and online platforms. To combat trafficking effectively, consumers should be aware of how the commercial sex industry intersects with everyday services and digital spaces. Sex trafficking generates massive profits for criminal networks, but informed consumers can help disrupt these operations by recognizing warning signs and supporting survivor-led organizations.
Support Anti-Trafficking NGOs
Many organizations worldwide are dedicated to combat human trafficking, including Our Rescue. Whether through donations, volunteering, or awareness campaigns, supporting these anti-trafficking organizations creates significant impact. Look for NGOs, like Our Rescue, that support the work of law enforcement to find and prosecute offenders in the long term.
Contact Authorities
If you witness suspected human trafficking or suspected traffickers, contact law enforcement immediately. Additionally, the National Human Trafficking Hotline provides a secure way to report trafficking situations directly to police as well. Your action could prevent a potential victim from experiencing exploitation or help identify human trafficking victims.
The next five strategies to stop human trafficking, require collaboration between homeland security, law enforcement, and communities:
Collaborate Across Borders
Human trafficking is a violent crime that crosses international boundaries. Success requires coordination between different countries’ law enforcement agencies and anti-trafficking field experts. Without unified efforts, traffickers exploit gaps between jurisdictions.
Empower Vulnerable Communities
Prevention starts with protecting vulnerable individuals. Financial investments in at-risk communities create educational and economic opportunities, reducing exploitation risks. This includes addressing factors like sexual orientation discrimination and economic instability.
Target Demand
Forced commercial sexual exploitation generates $172 billion in illegal profits annually, thriving on the demand for commercial sex acts and exploited labor. (ILO, 2024) Early intervention and public awareness campaigns help reduce demand that fuels modern slavery.
Train Law Enforcement and First Responders
Specialized human trafficking training helps authorities identify suspected instances of trafficking. Our Rescue provides comprehensive training to enhance recognition of human trafficking cases and appropriate response protocols.
Support Survivors
Services supporting human beings who’ve escaped trafficking are crucial. Through Survivor Care, Our Rescue helps provide essential resources including:
- Safe housing
- Medical & psychological care
- Legal assistance
- Job training
About Our Rescue
We are on a mission to eradicate sex trafficking and child exploitation. We do this by assisting law enforcement in rescue efforts and providing comprehensive survivor support to those in need. Working across borders and around the world, prioritizing children affected by sexual exploitation and working to liberate anyone suffering from the grip of sex trafficking.