January is Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention Month

In January each year, we observe human trafficking awareness and prevention month. This important month in the SARCC calendar, gives us an opportunity to pause and refresh on the nature of human trafficking and how it can show up in our communities

Trafficking can include both sexual exploitation and labor. Anyone under 18 involved in selling sex is considered a trafficking victim under “Safe Harbor” laws in Pennsylvania. Trafficking often involves forced, fraud, coercion, or manipulation. It’s important for our community to understand the nature of trafficking because many victims of trafficking do not see themselves as victims at all. Instead, they see themselves as committing a crime and may avoid police or victim services because of this
Force: Traffickers may use a weapon, strength or physical violence, restraint, or find another way to cause harm. The goal is often to make the trafficking survivor do something, stay somewhere, or submit to the trafficker against their will.
Fraud: Fraud often involves lying or withholding information. With human trafficking, fraud often involves false promises of jobs or other opportunities.
Coercion: Traffickers may also use threats of harm, or share information that makes a person believe they have no choice. This may involve threats of police involvement; withholding food, shelter, or medical care; deportation; or removing children.
The administration for children and families announced the theme for human trafficking awareness month:
“Connecting the Dots. Strengthening Communities. Preventing Trafficking.
The theme for Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2025 highlights the importance of a holistic approach to preventing human trafficking, recognizing its intersection with other forms of violence and social issues.”
If you or your organization would like to learn more about human trafficking, and the ways that it shows up in our community, know that you can get free training from our outreach specialist at SARCC. And informed community is the first step in connecting the dots and preventing trafficking locally.