Ever felt helpless in the fight against human trafficking? For the 31 days of Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we have complied 31 proven ways you can help prevent human trafficking. As NCPTF works tirelessly to assist case workers and bring victims out of exploitation we ask citizens to complete at least one of these actions to help us in the fight. We understand the power of crowd sourcing, as we use it every day to bring together seasoned prosecutors, officers, detectives, analysts and OSINT specialists to turn the tide of this war on human lives. You are a part of that pact.
Thank you for your effort and strength in the fight to prevent human trafficking.
1) Share a missing person(s) poster
You can search or share any missing person posters you come across at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. But remember to take down your shared post if the person has been found. This will help protect their privacy in the future.
2) Learn how to spot the signs of sexual exploitation
Up-to-date education is vital to spot signs. Thank you to those who support education-focused non-profits in their continuous effort to building awareness. You can start learning by visiting our Tools for Education page.
3) Share up-to-date education on trafficking prevention
Find a great book, article or podcast on human trafficking prevention? Share it! Peer-to-peer discussion can lead to longer lasting awareness. You can follow us on social media to easily find posts to share with your friends and community.
4) Read a book on trafficking prevention
From first-hand accounts to scholarly , there are many books that expand on the realities of human trafficking. Find out if your local library or community has recommendations or even a book club.
5) Subscribe to a podcast or Youtube channel focused on trafficking prevention
The more views, the more they can create content.
- The non-profit Christie’s Cause has a podcast web series that interviews those on the front lines of trafficking prevention.
- Ending Human Trafficking with Dr. Sandra Morgan was established in 2011 to find a global solution to this problem.
- Lantern Rescue is an organization making strides in creating hope for those who are exploited, persecuted, and displaced.
6) Participate in #WearBlueDay for Human Trafficking Awareness Day on Jan 11
You can find more about the campaign here.
7) Support a for-profit business that aids or assists in trafficking prevention
Do you know what causes your dollars support?
8) Report a trafficking tip to the FBI
You can report a tip directly here.
9) Share trafficking tip lines and hotlines
A list of hotlines can be found here.
10) Download the TraffickCam app to send hotel images that can aid investigations
The app is available in the Apple App Store as well as Google Play. You can also use their desktop version here.
11) Download the FBI Child ID app to securely store your child’s most recent photos for responders to locate quicker in an emergency
The app is available in the Apple App Store as well as Google Play. You can download and learn more about it here.
12) Be alert during AMBER alerts
AMBER alerts work. As of May 2020, 988 children have been rescued specifically because of AMBER Alerts. You can view active amber alerts here.
13) Learn ways to protect you and your family from online predators
There are small steps everyone can take! There are many best practices online including implementing end-to-end encryption, knowing the warning signs, being a strong voice of protection and empowerment, and consistently studying the resources available. Above all, keeping an open dialogue with our children and young family members to make sure their questions are answered and needs are met is the most consistent way to protect our children throughout their lives.
14) Create a plan of prevention and protection against trafficking
No matter the age of your children, there are best practices to protect your family. For great prevention tips for all ages follow Clicksafe Intelligence on social media.
15) Attend a webinar focused on trafficking prevention
The National Center on Safe Supportive Learning Environments has compiled a great database of webinars spanning multiple years.
16) Share what you have learned from a trafficking prevention webinar or podcast
Dedicate your time and energy to research and understanding of this problem so that you can combat myths and become a voice for the voiceless. You can make a difference!
17) Attend long term trafficking prevention training
There are many courses that count as credit towards social working, law enforcement and analyst careers.
The Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center has an Understanding Human Trafficking training resource that provides foundational information to help you understand the full scope of this problem.
18) Ask your neighborhood watch if they have a strategy to prevent human trafficking
This includes labor trafficking and sex trafficking. Learn more here.
19) Understand your local resources that help to preventing trafficking and support survivors.
Do you know what’s available in your community or how you can get involved? Search for nonprofit organizations serving survivors and familiarize yourself with prevention efforts in your local area.
20) Find out if your local officers have access to innovative training to prevent trafficking and rescue trafficking victims
What is available in your local community? Have your local police attended national trainings? Is human trafficking awareness part of their training curriculum?
21) Find out how much your county and/or state invests in human trafficking prevention and rescue
Does your state have a human trafficking task force? What prevention efforts are they involved in?
22) Contact your representative to request more resources for human trafficking prevention
You can search for your representatives here.
23) Request more trafficking stories from your local media
Media coverage creates awareness around the real problem and helps dispel myths. If you don’t see much about this problem in your local media, start the conversation!
24) Find out if your local schools have a trafficking prevention plan
Are your local schools doing everything they can to prevent exploitation and protect kids? Find out how you can get involved as a volunteer in creating systems, if they don’t exist.
25) Volunteer as an advocate at a non-profit to share awareness
Nonprofit organizations need supporters who are actively working to advance their mission. Get involved!
26) Volunteer to help at your child’s school
Safe adults can help prevent and protect kids by just being aware and connected. Get involved and build relationships! Your commitment to protection can make a difference.
27) Help find missing people by taking time to learn OSINT
Our partner in training, Trace Labs, has free events to teach those ready to help find missing people. You can view our 2020 conINT event recordings here to see a taste of the education.
28) Donate your story to a non-profit
Your story can help save lives. You can find a list of reputable non-profits here or contact us directly here.
29) Volunteer your writing, designing or coding skills to a non-profit focused in trafficking prevention
And NCPTF needs support! If you would like to help, please reach out.
30) Donate directly to a trafficking prevention non-profit
31) Create a donation campaign for a trafficking prevention non-profit
Thank you for your interest in helping prevent human trafficking. Like what we do? You can help us by donating to NCPTF or start a fundraiser for NCPTF on your own social channels.