National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January has been dedicated to raising awareness on human trafficking since 2010, this month marks the National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day landing on January 11th. The U.S. Department of State raises awareness on human trafficking through U.S. embassies and consulates across the globe. Likewise, across the United States, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and other educational institutions work to promote efforts to educate the public and raise awareness on prevention, identification, and response.

As collective efforts to work against the evil of trafficking continue to grow, January serves as a critical moment not only for awareness, but also for renewed commitment and action. Human trafficking thrives in conditions of vulnerability: poverty, migration, conflict, lack of labor protections, and social isolation. Such awareness campaigns help illuminate how these structural injustices intersect with individual exploitation. This month calls attention to the fact that trafficking is not a distant or isolated issue, but one that affects all people across all economic and demographic backgrounds.

Human trafficking and major sporting events have become increasingly linked in public discourse. Around the world, large-scale sporting events have been associated with documented cases of forced labor, fraudulent recruitment practices, and labor exploitation. High-profile awareness campaigns have drawn public attention to these concerns across events such as the Olympic Games, Formula 1, the Super Bowl, and the FIFA World Cup.

A stark example of labor exploitation emerged during the most recent World Cup hosted in Qatar. Large numbers of migrant workers, particularly from India and other parts of Asia, were recruited to construct stadiums and related infrastructure. Many workers reported deceptive recruitment practices, unpaid or underpaid wages, excessive and dangerous working conditions, and, in some cases, loss of life. These injustices sparked global outrage and widespread scrutiny, while organizations such as FIFA faced criticism for their limited response and accountability.

It is important to note that sporting events themselves do not directly cause human trafficking. However, the surge in tourism, temporary employment, and demand for low-wage labor surrounding major events can create conditions that increase vulnerability to exploitation. The rapid movement of people and the need for short-term workers in construction, hospitality, transportation, and service industries can be exploited by traffickers and unscrupulous labor brokers.

This year, Super Bowl Sunday and the feast day of the patron saint of victims of human trafficking share the same date. The Super Bowl coincides with the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita on February 8, a powerful symbol of resilience, faith, and hope for survivors of human trafficking. This year, we are presented with a meaningful opportunity for collective action: uniting prayer, awareness, and education to affirm the dignity of every human person and to stand in solidarity with those affected by exploitation.

As part of this effort, we invite you to participate in the events listed below as we come together to raise awareness, deepen understanding, and reaffirm our shared commitment to preventing human trafficking.

Upcoming Events

In partnership with the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, the New Jersey Catholic Conference, the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, and the SOAP Project, we invite you to a 90-minute webinar dedicated to exploring the intersection of human trafficking and major sporting events.

January marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time when we come together to raise awareness about the grave injustice of human trafficking. This year, our focus is on major sporting events, which unfortunately can create conditions where trafficking risks increase. With the Super Bowl scheduled for Sunday, February 8th in San Jose, California, this discussion is both timely and urgent.

Opening Prayer and Reflection led by His Excellency Oscar Cantú, Bishop of San Jose, California, who will offer a reflection on the Church’s role in combating human trafficking.

Register HERE.

San Jose, California

The Diocese of San José is hosting a three-day Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar Series focused on the risks of exploitation associated with large sporting events and the ways communities can respond. Taking place from January 29–31, 2026, the seminars will be offered in both English and Spanish, followed by a Call to Action gathering.

Participants will learn about local efforts to combat human trafficking, explore the issue through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, and discover practical ways to help prevent exploitation and support survivors. The series will feature speakers from the USCCB Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach, the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking, and In Our Backyard.

Sessions will be held at Our Lady of Peace (Santa Clara), Sacred Heart of Jesus (San Jose), and Santa Clara University, culminating in a community-focused action event. All are welcome—regardless of prior experience—to learn, reflect, and take meaningful steps toward ending human trafficking.

Registration HERE.

Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita

As January prepares us for the National Awareness Month, the Feast Day of Bakhita aids in our devotion and renewed commitment,

Join us in celebrating the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita with a vigil Mass and a presentation on human trafficking and major sporting events.

This year’s program focuses on how large sporting events can unintentionally create conditions that increase the risk of trafficking. With the Super Bowl taking place on Sunday, February 8th in San Jose, California, this conversation is especially timely.

We will gather on February 7th 2026, at 4:00PM at Saint Mary’s Catholic Church, 7301 Annapolis Rd, Landover Hills, MD 20784.

Light refreshments will be provided. 

Register for the in-person event HERE.
Register for the virtual option HERE.

2026 Day of Prayer Toolkit!

Infographic: Human Trafficking and Sporting Events (World Cup)

Infographic: Human Trafficking and Sporting Events (Super Bowl)

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. For more information, please email [email protected].

If you want to learn more about the USCCB

Anti-Trafficking Program, reach out to:

Felicitas Brugo Onetti

Anti-Trafficking Education and Outreach Coordinator

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (202) 541-3064