January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
/Every January, communities across the country observe Human Trafficking Awareness Month—a time to shine a light on a crime that often hides in plain sight and to empower individuals with the knowledge to help keep children, teens, and adults safe.
Human trafficking is not just something that happens “somewhere else.” It occurs in cities, suburbs, and rural communities alike. It affects people of all backgrounds, and it often begins with vulnerability, manipulation, and unmet needs. The good news is that awareness saves lives - and prevention starts with each of us.
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for labor or commercial sex. When a minor is involved in commercial sex, it is considered trafficking regardless of force or coercion.
Traffickers may present themselves as friends, romantic partners, employers, or mentors. Over time, they build trust and dependency before exploiting it.
Who Is Most at Risk?
Anyone can be targeted, but certain factors can increase vulnerability, especially for children and teens. These may include:
Prior abuse or neglect
Family conflict or instability
Running away or homelessness
Social isolation or unmet emotional needs
Excessive unsupervised online activity
Recognizing vulnerability is not about blame, it’s about identifying opportunities for early support and protection.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Human trafficking doesn’t always look like what we expect. Some possible red flags include:
Sudden changes in behavior, appearance, or relationships
An older or controlling boyfriend/girlfriend
Unexplained gifts, money, or new items
Withdrawal from family, friends, or activities
Fearfulness, anxiety, or scripted responses
Excessive secrecy about online activity
Seeing one sign does not automatically mean trafficking is occurring, but patterns and concerns should never be ignored.
Prevention Starts With Connection
One of the most powerful prevention tools is healthy, safe relationships. Children and teens who feel supported, believed, and valued are less likely to be exploited—and more likely to seek help when something feels wrong.
You can help by:
Keeping open, judgment-free conversations with children and teens
Talking about online safety and healthy relationships
Knowing who your child is spending time with—both in person and online
Trusting your instincts and taking concerns seriously
What to Do If You’re Concerned
If you believe someone may be at risk or experiencing trafficking:
Reach out to a trusted local resource, such as a child advocacy center
Report concerns to local law enforcement or child protective services when appropriate
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888 or text 233733 (BEFREE) for confidential guidance and support
24/7 Hotlines & Immediate Help
Nebraska Human Trafficking Hotline:
Call 833-757-5665 to report suspected trafficking in Nebraska — tips go directly to law enforcement and trained responders. ago.nebraska.gov
R/DAP (North Platte Area) (Rape and Domestic Abuse Program)
RDAP’s crisis hotline is available 24 hours a day by calling 308-534-3495, texting 308-536-4848, or via online chat
SCIP (Ogallala area) (Sandhills Crisis Intervention Program)
24-Hour Crisis Line: 308-284-6055
DASAS (McCook Area)
crisis line: 877-345-5534
You do not need proof to ask for help—concerns alone are enough to start a conversation.
A Community Responsibility
Human trafficking prevention is not the responsibility of one agency or profession, it belongs to all of us. When communities are informed, connected, and proactive, traffickers lose the secrecy they rely on.
This Human Trafficking Prevention Month, let’s commit to learning the signs, strengthening protective factors, and speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. Together, we can create safer futures and protect the most vulnerable among us.
If you’d like to learn more about prevention, education, or services available in our community, we invite you to reach out to our team. Awareness is the first step, action is the next.
📘 Online Educational Resources on Human Trafficking Awareness & Prevention
Blue Campaign- Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to develop general awareness trainings, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations.
Polaris – Human Trafficking 101 — A free, interactive online training that explains what trafficking is, how it happens, who is at risk, and actions individuals can take. Polaris
TraffickWatch Academy (The Exodus Road) — Short online learning modules designed for community members, activists, and responders to learn facts and take action. Traffickwatch+1
kNOw MORE Resource Center — Curated resources, tools, and educational materials for awareness and prevention efforts. Human Trafficking Coalition
GUARD Against Trafficking – Education & Awareness — Explains trafficking in clear terms and includes resources like glossaries, warning signs, and prevention education. GUARD Against Traffi
LifeWay Network Resources — Free downloadable guides, simulations, and awareness tools for individuals, educators, and students. LifeWay Network
TRAFFICKSTOP Toolkit (IACP) — A curriculum and toolkit for schools and community groups to teach human trafficking identification and prevention. IACP
Teach Against Trafficking – Educational Materials — Toolkits and youth-friendly materials to help schools and groups raise awareness and educate students. Teach Against Trafficking
Our Rescue – Training & Prevention Courses — Free online courses that introduce basic trafficking concepts, warning signs, and what we can do to help prevent it. Our Rescue
National Human Trafficking Training & Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC) — A broad library of training materials, webinars, factsheets, and professional development resources. NHTTAC
IRC Anti-Trafficking Educational Videos — A collection of short videos explaining different aspects of trafficking and providing foundational knowledge. IRC Anti-Trafficking Response
