HHS Fights Human Trafficking

Slavery ended with the Civil War, right? That widely held idea is tragically wrong. Under the more "civilized" name of "human trafficking," between 18,000 and 20,000 men, women and children are sold into slavery right here in the U.S.A. every year, according to federal government estimates.

During 2001 alone, at least 700,000 and potentially as many as 4 million people worldwide were bought, sold, transported and held against their will in slave-like conditions, according to the U.S. State Department. (See: Modern Slavery: People for Sale)

Often, the victims' passports, money and identification are confiscated by their traffickers as they are forced into prostitution, pornography and sweatshop labor. This modern-day form of slavery has become a $13 billion per year global industry.

In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has launched a major public awareness effort to combat human trafficking and help its victims, including a toll-free hotline.

HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson today announced a major public awareness effort to combat human trafficking and help its victims, including a toll-free hotline.

"Today we are announcing four tools to help crack down on the evil practice of human trafficking, as well as assist those who have been victimized," said HHS Secretary Tommy G. Thompson in a recent HHS press release.

The actions announced by HHS follow a law signed by President Bush on Dec. 19, 2003, the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, designed to step up U.S. efforts against human trafficking.

The new tools include:

A toll-free number (888-373-7888) run by the Covenant House, sponsored by HHS in collaboration with the Department of Justice, to allow victims of trafficking to be instantly referred to a pre-screened aid organization in the victim's area.

A Web site (www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking) that serves as a clearinghouse on helping victims of human trafficking.

Initially, a three-city public awareness effort (Philadelphia, Atlanta and Phoenix) to educate Americans on the problem of human trafficking and how they can help victims in their community.

A public service television announcement, shared by HHS and the United Nations, to educate the public, on a national level, on the issue of human trafficking.

"Victims of trafficking require fast, safe and reliable help," said Wade F. Horn, Ph.D., assistant secretary for children and families. "The effort we are unveiling today will educate the public on how they can assist, while giving those marred by human trafficking the immediate aid they need."

The Department of Health and Human Services is a Cabinet-Level agency.

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