Email from USCCB National Migration Week   Hidden in Plain Sight:He A USCCB/MRS Anti-trafficking Newsletter Janaury 2024 Issue 14 National Human Trafficking Prevention Month Highlighted in January, National Human Trafficking Prevention Month strives to raise awareness surrounding human trafficking and advocate for victims and survivors of such actions. In January, we, as a community, are reminded of the emotional, physical, and sexual exploitation and trauma that victims and survivors of human trafficking experience. National Human Trafficking Prevention Month allows individuals and the government to acknowledge the effects that human trafficking can have on an individual, and also the country, create awareness and advocacy efforts, and propose legislation efforts to minimize the amount of human trafficking; hopefully ending it in the end. The identity of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month was recognized as an advocacy month in 2010. Prior to its name change by President Biden, in 2023, former President Obama recognized it as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. However, the essence of advocating and educating the public on this critical topic has remained at the center. When discussing human trafficking, it is essential to acknowledge that it takes various forms such as slavery, sex, labor, and more. Educating and advocating for this vulnerable population aids to showcase the dignity and worth of every individual, and how no one should be subjugated to such actions. Although there is no concrete number of how many individuals are trafficked, in the United States solely, 432,902 signals of human trafficking have been recorded by the Human Trafficking Hotline since it inception in 2007. The Global Slavery Index reports that there is an estimated 1 million people trapped in a situation of modern-day slavery at any given moment in time in the United States. The identified theme for the 2025 year is Connecting the Dots. Strengthening Communities, Preventing Trafficking. This theme showcases the importance of advocacy for human trafficking in the United States, while also, sharing the criticality of identifying other systems that can impact someone’s life in falling victim to human trafficking. This theme strives to understand the issues and systems that impact these individuals and acquire mechanisms to limit their exposure to human trafficking whether it be due to economic, social, or societal factors. One system that can be related to human trafficking is the criminal justice system. The Criminal Justice System and Human Trafficking While we rely on the criminal justice system to prosecute perpetrators of this crime, this is not always the case. Various states have failed to accurately prosecute perpetrators, instead prosecuting victims for “prostitution”. In other cases, there are great risks for victims of trafficking who are incarcerated. For instance, those within the criminal justice system are extremely vulnerable and traffickers could prey on these individuals. As identified by the Office of Justice Programs, through the U.S. Department of Justice, “… individuals who have a criminal record, are under court supervision, or are otherwise subject to the authority of the criminal justice system are at higher risk for exploitation. It is common for perpetrators to show up at the end of a victim's prison sentence, to tempt them with a better life, and offer them opportunities, a place to stay and other false promises. Individuals who also struggle with addiction and substance use disorders are especially vulnerable to coercion.” Individuals exposed to the criminal justice system can have a lack of support systems, financial troubles, and inadequate situations which can elevate one’s dependency on other people. This dependency could lead to sex, labor, or human trafficking. One organization that strives to combat human trafficking in the criminal justice system is the Catholic Prison Ministries Coalition (CPMC). CPMC provides resources and ministry to those who are incarcerated, detention, and the families of those who are incarcerated. Especially with human trafficking, this Coalition provides resources, educational videos, webinars, advocacy efforts, and literature surrounding human trafficking and the impact that it can have on this vulnerable population.  Watch this video on our anti trafficking coordinator give a presentation on the intersections of human trafficking and incarceration : [link removed] The Juvenile Justice System and Human Trafficking Although all impacted by the criminal justice system can be susceptible to human trafficking, the juvenile justice system is evident in this linkage. Juveniles may be susceptible to such vulnerability with individuals that could lead to instances of prostitution and sex trafficking. These individuals may find friendship, love, and support that they might not receive from their loved ones, the juvenile justice system, and more which can increase their risk of human trafficking involvement. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network emphasizes the importance of understanding what child sex trafficking is, the risks, and how this can impact those who work in juvenile justice. For example, those who have been a child-victim of trafficking tend to have an increased rate of interaction with the criminal justice system, often leading to negative encounters with law enforcement and staff that could increase one’s vulnerability to being trafficked. Upcoming Events: Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita, February 8th, International Day of Prayer Agaisnt Trafficking: During this day, we reflect, pray and educate ourselves on anti-trafficking issues. Listen to the Holy Father, Pope Francis reflection here. Immigration Conference: Rethinking Migration Narratives – Catholic Immigration Advocacy in 2025 and Beyond | CUA Registration is open for our national conference on immigration that is taking place on March 3-5, 2025 at the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. Learning Opportunities: Below are a few webinars and events that are open to the public to learn about various factors of human trafficking. These events are in addition to public advocacy, educational resources, and more: [link removed] [link removed] [link removed] [link removed] [link removed] New Resource! We are thrilled to announce that we have a new St. Bakhita prayer card! Amy Heyse painted the beautiful piece of art that graces the front. Although we cannot print to order, we can share with you a PDF version of the prayer card. We also have the prayer card available in Spanish, please email [email protected] If you want to learn more about the USCCB/MRS' Anti-Trafficking Program, reach out to: Felicitas Brugo Onetti Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach Coordinator Email: [email protected] Phone: (202) 541-3064   Our Company | Contact Us   USCCB | 3211 Fourth Street NE | Washington, DC 20017 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice