January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Most people do not think of Connecticut of being a hotbed of human trafficking activity, but the fact is that human trafficking occurs in every community across the country.

What is human trafficking?

Trafficking is defined as forced labor or sex for anything of value.

This means if someone is being forced to work by being threatened with deportation or offered illegal substances or under the threat of violence, that is human trafficking. If a child is forced into sexual activity in exchange for anything of value, that is human trafficking. It is much more prevalent than most people are aware of and happening right here in our state.

According to the State of Connecticut Department of Children and Families:

The Department received 241 reports of trafficking in 2021.

Girls and children of color remain the most at-risk, but all races and genders were affected.

Probably the most surprising statistic was that living placement at the time of identification shows that 161 out of the total of 241 youth were actually living at home when they were subjected to trafficking:

So what can you do?

We can all watch for signs of human trafficking. Be vigilant. Trust your instincts. And report anything that you believe is human trafficking.

You can find more information and resources here: 

And if you have been a victim of human trafficking, please reach out. Our Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) Case Managers can assist with advocacy, support, the Victim's Compensation Process, and safety planning. All services are confidential and completely free. Help is available.

Please reach out!