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See what's new at Polaris
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The Polaris Post
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John,
Thank you for being part of our shared movement to end sex and labor trafficking.
Get the latest updates in the stories below! We also hope you'll forward The Polaris Post to others who share your values.
Together, we'll create a world where everyone is free to choose how and where they live and work.
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A Trend You Should Know: Human Trafficking on the Rise
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The 2021 Global Estimates report from the International Labor Organization, the International Organization for Migration, and Walk Free indicates there are 27.6 million people in trafficking situations worldwide – a 12% increase since 2016's study.
This is shocking, but not surprising. The underlying drivers of trafficking – poverty, discrimination, and inequity – have only worsened during COVID-19, natural disasters, armed conflict, and ongoing social exclusion. Vulnerable people face even greater risk.
These new insights are a call to action for each of us. We must fight against trafficking and for a world of freedom and equity.
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| Learn More |
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You Can Help: Urge Congress to Pass Criminal Records Relief
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Most survivors have an arrest or conviction on their records as a result of their trafficking experience – committing crimes not by choice, but while being forced or manipulated as part of their own victimization.
These criminal records unfairly limit survivors' ability to move on with their lives after leaving exploitation. They can prevent survivors from getting jobs, renting apartments, receiving benefits, or maintaining custody of their children.
To take an important step toward addressing this issue at the federal level, you can help pass the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act. And join us in continuing to fight for more inclusive policies and laws in the future.
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| Help Survivors Clear Their Records |
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Will You Share Resources with Survivors & Service Providers?
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Last year, Polaris supported the survivor-driven passage of the Debt Bondage Repair Act. This bill empowers survivors to block damaging information related to their trafficking experience from their credit reports.
Since then, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has created a process for survivors to block such information – but it is not easy.
To assist survivors and those working with them, we've created helpful educational resources. They include a fact sheet and a recorded discussion with a survivor and advocate.
We will continue updating you as the process evolves. And you can help us get the latest information out to survivors and service providers, so that as many as possible take advantage of this new law.
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| Spread the Word |
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Your Hotel Points Can Help!
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Given rising homelessness, mental health challenges, and pandemic recovery, many local shelters are overwhelmed with community needs. They're unable to house victims and survivors leaving trafficking situations.
The good news: You can help people in crisis find somewhere safe to stay and take their next steps toward healing and freedom.
By donating hotel rewards points, you can provide emergency shelter for victims and survivors through the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. Since 2015, these donations have provided over 1,200 nights of safety for more than 550 victims and their families.
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| Donate Your Points |
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