Human trafficking hotline.

• Author: Williams, Rich
• Position: TRENDS

The battle against human trafficking continues. Every state has passed a law to prosecute traffickers, yet often the public remains unaware that trafficking is occurring close to home or that nearby businesses may be benefiting from criminal sex or labor trafficking activity.

One tool many states are using is the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a telephone and web service survivors can turn to for help and that the public can use to report suspected cases.

Twenty-nine states and the District of Columbia require or encourage state entities to educate the public about the hotline. Eighteen states and the District require information about the free service to be posted during major sporting events and conventions or permanently in certain businesses and facilities, including hotels, adult entertainment venues, hospitals, massage salons, rest areas, truck stops, bars, night clubs and agricultural labor offices.

Calls increase in number every year. In 2012, the hotline received 13,325 calls, resulting in 3,279 reported cases; last year it received 20,424 calls, with 5,748 cases reported.

What is the hotline number? 1 (888) 373-7888. You can also go to the website humantraffickinghotline.org.

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