January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, when we shine a light on a crisis that has operated for too long in the shadows. In the United States alone, an estimated 14,500-17,500 people are trafficked by transnational drug cartels and criminal organizations each year.

Congress must do everything within its power to ensure that resources and judicial tools are available to improve prosecutions, protect victims, and prevent future trafficking. While Congress must do its part, you can also be a part of protecting those at risk. 

Here are some resources to help learn more about human trafficking, and ways you can identify when it is happening:

• An overview of what human trafficking is can be found here. 
• For indicators of human trafficking, click here.
• Resources on how to help can be found here.

To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, call 1-866-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to 233733.