Teach your child how to say, ‘NO”, when something makes them feel uncomfortable. Teach your child how to ask for help from a responsible adult when they need help. Knowledge is freedom. Teach your child know when something is real or a fairy tale.

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. This crime occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts. This also occurs when the trafficker solicits labor or services against his/her will. Why should we be concerned not only for our children and our families? The answer is because we can be supportive of victims and try to prevent it in the first place.

We can, and should be, observant of our surroundings, especially in public places, at all times. We can notice four categories that affect the most vulnerable. They are economic problems, prior abuse, situational vulnerabilities (homeless or runaway children), and other at-risk children who do not understand healthy relationships. Let’s help keep everyone safe. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733.