Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human Trafficking is defined as the buying, selling, and/or transportation of a person for the purpose of exploiting them for sex or forced labor. People of all walks of life can become trafficked, however studies show that runaway and homeless youth are most vulnerable. Human trafficking has many different effects on the mental and physical well-being of victims. Some signs to look for if you think someone may be a victim of trafficking may include:

• Lack of voice; having someone else speak for them; physically or emotionally controlled

• Losing control of their own identification documents

• Having very few or no personal possessions

• Being unable to leave their home or workplace

• Lack of awareness to date, time, location

• Having bruises, broken bones, burns, and/or scars

• Feeling helpless, shameful, guilty, or humiliated

• Being isolated from friends and family members

• Seeming emotionally numb or detached

While human trafficking may seem like a problem too large to solve, there are steps we can all take to start making a change. LSP remains dedicated in raising awareness of Human Trafficking and encourages others to join our efforts.

For additional information and to report trafficking, we encourage you contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by email at help@humantraffickinghotline.org; by visiting www.humantraffickinghotline.org; by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733