National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The original proclamation for National Human Trafficking Prevention Month (January) was in 2010 by President Obama. Presidential Proclamation--National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month | whitehouse.gov (archives.gov)

"Our Nation was founded on the enduring principles of equality and freedom for all. As Americans, it is our solemn responsibility to honor and uphold this legacy. Yet, around the world and even within the United States, victims of modern slavery are deprived of the most basic right of freedom. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we rededicate ourselves to preventing and ending human trafficking, and we recognize all who continue to fight this serious human rights violation."

Presidential proclamations not only raise the profile of the issue, but are also snapshots of global trends and challenges, and significant U.S. anti-trafficking policy achievements. Some highlights include:
*In 2012, the issuance of the Executive Order ‘Strengthening Protections Against Trafficking in Persons in Federal Contracts ‘;
*In 2016, the first convening of the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking;
*In 2017, the State Department’s launch of its largest anti-trafficking program, the Program to End Modern Slavery; and
*In 2021, the release of the updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking.

HUMAN TRAFFICKING DEFINED
TVPA (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) defines “severe forms of trafficking in persons” as:

• sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which
  the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age; or
• the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or
  services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary
  servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

A victim need not be physically transported from one location to another for the crime to fall within this definition.

Trafficking-in-Persons-Report-2023_Introduction-V3e.pdf (state.gov)

Dec 29, 2023

• A Proclamation on National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2024 | The White House
  • There is no greater sin than the abuse of power, and human trafficking is among the worst abuses that exist. We must each play a role in ending it; we cannot turn away. This month, we urge every American to learn how to identify the signs of trafficking and to share the National Human Trafficking hotline (888-373-7888) — an important resource to report a tip or to ask for help. Together, we must make sure every human being is free to live a life full of dignity and respect.
  • In 2022, we reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act, which I first wrote as a United States Senator some 30 years ago — this time expanding the jurisdiction of Tribal courts to prosecute non-Native American sex traffickers.
    
    • 1991: Actions - H.R.1502 - 102nd Congress (1991-1992): Violence Against Women Act of 1991
    • 1993:
      • S.11 - 103rd Congress (1993-1994): Violence Against Women Act of 1993
      • S.1607 - 103rd Congress (1993-1994): Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1993
        
    • 1994: H.R.3355 - 103rd Congress (1993-1994): Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act of 1994 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) signed into law as part of the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act on Sept. 13, 1994
      
    • 2019: Text - H.R.1585 - 116th Congress (2019-2020): Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2019
• Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) | Legislation and Regulations (justice.gov)
• A Proclamation on National Stalking Awareness Month, 2024 | The White House

National Human Trafficking Prevention Month - United States Department of State

Additional articles

• National Human Trafficking Prevention Month - Events | San Fernando Valley News Portal (town.news)
• July 30th: International Day of Awareness Against Human Trafficking | San Fernando Valley News Portal (town.news)
• Child Trafficking | San Fernando Valley News Portal (town.news)

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