Every year, January serves as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month, with the intention of spreading awareness and explaining the meaning of slavery and human trafficking. 

“I think it’s a great thing that there’s a month to spread awareness for Human trafficking since how big of a modern day problem it is,” Miami Palmetto Senior High School student Hunter Jordan said.

Human trafficking happens to both men and woman of all ages. There lies a great importance in spreading the word about human trafficking and what one can do to stay safe. An estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people fall victim to human trafficking every year, with California recording the highest number of trafficking cases.

Commonly known as modern day slavery, traffickers force their victims to partake in sex trade, forced labor and domestic servitude. 

“Human trafficking is a terrible thing that unfortunately happens to many people all over the world, and it needs to be stopped,” Jordan said.

Signs that indicate whether someone may currently be trafficked include: fear when in proximity to an authority figure and allowing someone else to speak for them instead of speaking up for themselves. While many may assume that this may signal someone who just has a shy personality or has social anxiety, it may also be a sign of a victim of human trafficking. Since going up to a potential trafficking victim may cause danger for them, call 911 or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Calling this number could save someone from trafficking.

“Having a number available is something great since it will help those in potential danger in the future,” Jordan said.

During January, people may raise awareness for the cause by wearing blue clothing and posting a picture with the hashtag “#WearBlueDay” to catch people’s attention and help teach others about human trafficking.