Human Trafficking Awareness Month 2026

The Survival Council members said it themselves on the Lit&Legit podcast...Awareness is Education. We need to educate ourselves about Human Trafficking in order to protect ourselves and our communities. Click on any of the underlined sentences to find more information on that topic.

It is estimated that there are about 28 MILLION women, men and children who are being trafficked around the world, right now.

Of that total, a little over 6 MILLION people are trafficked for commercial sexual exploitation (sex trafficking). 3/4 of them are women and girls.

Human Trafficking is said to be one of the most serious human rights violations of our time. It is found in every country and every State in the US, including Michigan. It is present in big cities like Detroit or Grand Rapids, suburbs like Waterford, Southfield or Wyoming, and rural towns like Greenville, Dundee or our Upper Peninsula communities.

It affects youth and adults, especially those who are most vulnerable. Risk factors include: People of color (especially women), Runaway and Homeless youth, people who identify as LGBTQ+, people in foster care, people with a history of sexual abuse, people with disabilities, people with a Substance Use Disorder (or who have it present in their home), and people who have recently migrated or are from a different country on a work Visa.

More recently we have seen an exponential increase in exploitation through the internet. Online platforms have become the top recruitment location for Labor and Sex Trafficking. Trafficked people are also exploited on the internet through pornography, live webcams and other ways. Sextortion schemes are also on the rise and have been linked to the suicide of many youth in our country.

Not much research has been done on Traffickers, but we know that most times it comes down to Power and Control. They may also be financially motivated. Upwards of 40% of child sex trafficking victims are trafficked by a family member or guardian.

This is a lot of information to process and learn about. But now that you know, what can you DO about it?

1. Share what you have learned.

2. Think about ways that you can help to lessen vulnerability in your community.

3. Be a safe adult and/or friend. Safe and supportive relationships are key to helping prevent human trafficking.

4. Digital Safety. Empower yourself and those around you to keep safe online. Watch any of our Digital Safety episodes on our podcast site.

What are some other suggestions you have for what action steps you can take?