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President Obama recently instated January as the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As he explains in his presidential proclamation, millions of men, women and children are still victims of this form of modern day slavery. Although one might think human trafficking does not happen in our backyard, it is unfortunately a practice way too common in the United States and around the world.

“Human trafficking occurs in countries throughout the world and in communities across our Nation. Children are forced to fight as soldiers, young people are coerced into prostitution, and migrants are exploited. People from all walks of life are trafficked every day, and the United States is committed to remaining a leader in the global movement to end this abhorrent practice.”

Through this awareness month and the creation of the Federal Office on Trafficking in Persons, under the Department of Health and Human Services, the government is showing their determination to fight human trafficking, which considerably impacts children. Additionally, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children  facilitated the reporting system of missing children and also seeks to give information on sexual exploitation.

At a state level, 2015 was an important year for Texas in the fight against child sex trafficking. The Texas Governor and Texas CASA provided workshops, trainings and information to child welfare organizations and law enforcement  regarding the recovery and protection of children from sexual exploitation and trafficking. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children Texas regional office hopes to do much more in 2016. In fact, we can all do more to spread awareness and find ways to combat children and human trafficking.

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children invites you to

 

 

• Like, follow and share their Facebook page that features posters of missing children and tips to keep kids safer
• Learn more at www.missingkids.org/Texas.
• Sign up to be a volunteer.
• Support us financially by making a donation.

 

The following video by Senator John Cornyn enlightens us on different ways we can all be involved to protect children as this is an issue around the world, but also at home.

Texas Senator John Cornyn speaks out about human trafficking prevention.