East Texas Nonprofits Raise Awareness During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and local East Texas nonprofits are stepping up to raise awareness about this ongoing crisis.
Organizations such as Unbound Now, Selah Life Choices, and 4Kids4Families are working together to educate the public and offer support to victims of human trafficking in the region.
Human trafficking, according to Unbound Now, involves the manipulation or coercion of individuals into performing labor or providing sexual services for someone else’s financial gain.
Unbound Now Advocacy Coordinator, Maria Villarreal, highlighted the staggering global figure of 50 million victims, with Texas ranked second in the nation for the number of reported cases.
The impact of human trafficking extends to communities across East Texas, affecting men, women, and children alike.
As Belen Casillas, Community Relations Director of 4Kids4Families, explained, an alarming 79,000 children in Texas are affected by trafficking.
The nonprofit organizations stress that raising awareness is crucial to addressing this issue locally.
During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, these organizations are focusing on educating the public about the signs of trafficking.
Red flags may include a child attempting to escape due to promises of a better life, a history of abuse, homelessness, or the forced marking of a tattoo.
While these signs are not definitive, understanding what to look for could make all the difference in helping a victim.
East Texans are encouraged to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity. If someone believes a person may be a victim of human trafficking, they are urged to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or send a text to 233733.
By staying informed and speaking up, individuals can help protect those who are most vulnerable.
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