National Human Trafficking Awareness Month: A Call to Action

In 2010, President Obama declared January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and the United States Senate designated January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. These initiatives aim to shed light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking—a modern-day form of slavery that has reached epidemic proportions in the United States and beyond.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) estimates that, as of 2024, this global industry generates over $236 billion annually, with $173 billion coming from sexual exploitation alone.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel an individual into commercial sex acts, forced labor, or services against their will. Victims often comply out of necessity, viewing these acts as a means of survival.

Traffickers groom their victims to become financially, emotionally, physically, or chemically dependent on them, creating a cycle of control. Trafficking is essentially the process through which individuals are “owned” by their traffickers, who profit significantly from their exploitation.

As J. Dakotah, a survivor of sex trafficking, explains:

“Women, girls, and yes, men and boys, are victims. They are trafficked into either prostitution or death.”

Women and girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors of forced labor. Many victims see no way out, as traffickers prey on their socio-economic or situational vulnerabilities for personal gain.

Native Americans are at a Higher Risk of Being Trafficked

Victims of trafficking often belong to marginalized groups, including people of color, individuals in the foster care system, and those living in poverty or who may be homelessness. These individuals live in what experts describe as a “pipeline of vulnerability,” seeking solutions for basic needs like food, shelter, and protection—needs traffickers exploit.

Dr. Sharon Cooper, founder and CEO of Developmental and Forensic Pediatrics, highlights the insidious tactics traffickers use:

“The general public thinks trafficking of girls occurs in inner cities. We’ve seen cases where girls were taken to farms and sold to migrant farmers, drugged to become compliant. Homeless shelters are often targeted by traffickers who offer jobs or tips, preying on children who believe these offers are legitimate.”

Among the hardest-hit populations are Native Americans. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) are at higher risk of being trafficked than any other racial group in the United States.

Sarah Deer, a law professor and expert on domestic violence in Native communities, explains:

“You’ve got a number of perfect-storm factors: poverty, high rates of sexual abuse—a precursor to prostitution—and a sense of desperation in day-to-day life on reservations.”

Hiding in Plain Sight

No state or community is immune to the effects of trafficking—it is happening everywhere.

South Dakota, a state with just 882,235 residents (as of 2018), ranks 11th in the nation for active sex trafficking cases, according to the Human Trafficking Institute. Alarmingly, nearly 50% of these cases involve Native American women or girls, despite Native Americans making up only 8.4% of the state’s population.

Because Native women are frequently marginalized, their plight is often overlooked. Many have experienced violence and trauma—Native American women are 3.5 times more likely to experience violence than women of other races in the United States.

While trafficking can happen to anyone, evidence shows that people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals are disproportionately affected. Generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination, and systemic inequities create vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. 

What Can We Do?

Awareness is the first step in combating human trafficking. By understanding the scope of this crisis and recognizing the signs of trafficking, we can take action to protect vulnerable individuals and hold traffickers accountable.

Recognizing the Signs of Trafficking:

• Avoidance of eye contact.
• Inability to speak for themselves.
• Anxiety, especially around law enforcement.
• Lack of knowledge about their location.
• Inconsistencies in their story.
• Visible signs of mental or physical abuse.

If you see something, say something. Call 911 if you suspect someone is in immediate danger. For support, call the SD Statewide Sex Trafficking & Sexual Assault Victim Hotline at 1-888-352-8511 or 211.

Making a Presence:

Building community strength through open conversations in schools, churches, and public forums is a proactive and impactful way to deter traffickers and buyers. Education is the first step, but creating visible and vocal opposition is crucial to saving lives. Across the nation, anti-trafficking billboards are appearing, sending a clear message to traffickers: people are aware, and their actions will not be tolerated.

Visible acts of awareness and advocacy empower communities to stand united against trafficking, signaling that this exploitation has no place in our society. Together, through education, outreach, and vigilance, we can create a safer future for all.