A new study from the University of New Hampshire analyzed data from over 10,000 youth who completed Love146’s Not a Number curriculum. While participants showed improved understanding of trafficking, healthy relationships, and safety planning, the hardest change to achieve was getting youth to feel comfortable seeking help in risky situations.

The study found disparities in help-seeking behaviors based on gender, location, race, income, and setting based on the personal beliefs and perceived barriers that each youth faces. Results showed that, for example, female, urban, school-based, younger, white, and higher-income youth were more likely to seek help than their counterparts. Barriers could included limited resources and stigma.

Reflecting and Taking Action
Let’s ask ourselves: How can we reduce these barriers for every child? How can we ensure that every child feels safe and supported when they need it most? By actively challenging our own perceptions and biases, we can help close these gaps, and build a future where every young person feels empowered to get help when they need it.