What is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day?

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

Each January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month by President Proclamation since 2010, beginning in 2010. Following the start of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with the support of non-government groups, National Human Trafficking Day began and is observed annually on January 11th.

Human trafficking is considered a modern form of slavery. This unlawful act does not prohibit the use of force, fraud, or coercion to gain labour or sex. Traffickers lure their victims into trafficking situations by violence, coercion, or false promises. Trafficking victims often suffer physical and/or psychological abuse. They may also suffer sexual assault, food and sleep deprivation, threats to family members, and alienation from the outside world. Family members of the victim may also be threatened.

The day's aim is to bring greater attention to the sex trafficking epidemic. To raise awareness, organizations around the world each year provide assistance to communities, from education to volunteering, and educational activities to raise money.

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