National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11 raises awareness of the persistent issue of human trafficking. Though the entire month of January has already been recognized as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, this day is specifically dedicated to awareness and prevention of the illegal practice.
ALHI supports and stands against the practice of human trafficking, especially on this day. It is important to educate not only ourselves, but how we can educate others. The horrific injustice of human trafficking can affect people of any race and background, and on this day we are all called to fight human trafficking wherever it exists.
Homeland Security has created a campaign called #WearBlueDay to raise awareness of human trafficking, inviting the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media along with our #WearBlueDay hashtag.
5 IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY
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There are many forms of exploitation. Approximately 80% of human trafficking today involves sexual exploitation, while 19% involves labor exploitation.
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There is a staggering number of enslaved people today. Right now, there are approximately 20 to 40 million slaves in the world.
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Human trafficking is extremely profitable. While $15.5 billion generated in industrialized countries from slave trading is already horrifying, the industry reportedly generates a profit of $32 billion yearly, worldwide.
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Trafficking disproportionately affects women. Though men can and are trafficked and exploited for labor, it is far more common for women to be trafficked, as they are far more often exploited for sexual reasons.
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Finding trafficking red flags can save lives. Some signs that a teen might be involved in human trafficking include but aren’t limited to: not coming home at night, new tattoos (of cherries, roses, dollar signs, or crowns), excessive crying, depression, exhaustion, secrecy, having older significant others, having many unknown adults on social media, STIs/STDs, or no longer engaging in regular social behaviors
HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN #WearBlueDay for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
- Snap a selfie. Have you picked out your outfit yet? We encourage you to wear blue (whether that’s a shirt, uniform, or hat), take a photo of yourself, and post it to social media using #WearBlueDay. Encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.
- Share a video. Create a video message explaining why you are participating in #WearBlueDay. Post it on social media with #WearBlueDay and encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to do the same.
- Take a group photo. You don’t have to be in person to take a group photo! Use one of your regular virtual meetings to encourage participation in #WearBlueDay and take a screen shot to post on social media. If you do gather in person for a #WearBlueDay photo, practice social distancing, wear a mask, and follow local guidelines to keep each other safe.
- Challenge your friends, family, or colleagues. Encourage your friends, family, or colleagues to get creative with their #WearBlueDay photos – while practicing social distancing – and see who comes up with the best picture. Remember to share on social media with #WearBlueDay!
- Light up a landmark. Los Angeles City Hall was lit blue and Mayor Eric Garcetti tweeted a photo of it with #WearBlueDay. Work with your local government to light a capitol building, landmark, or bridge blue to raise awareness of human trafficking. Use social media to post photos of the landmark with #WearBlueDay and why it’s lit in blue.
- Host a virtual event. Organize an online event, such as a panel discussion or documentary viewing, to foster discussion about human trafficking and how to recognize and report it. Encourage attendees and participants to wear blue and share photos on social media. Don’t forget to use #WearBlueDay
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