Freedom Is Not a Choice.
It Is A Human Right.
ENDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions of men, women, and children across the world. It is a form of modern-day slavery that exploits people for sex, labor, and even organ trafficking. While many people think of human trafficking as a faraway problem, it is a serious issue right here in Colorado, across the U.S., and internationally.
Human Trafficking Awareness
Human trafficking is not just a local or national issue. It is a global epidemic. According to the United Nations, an estimated 25 million people are trafficked worldwide. The U.S. ranks #1 globally for trafficking reports, with 3,117 cases reported in 2023 alone, marking a doubling of cases since 2019 U.S. Department of Justice. In Colorado, 2023 saw a record high with 84 trafficking incidents, ranking the state the 10th highest in the nation for trafficking reports. These numbers are concerning and show the increasing need for immediate action.
Our Colorado Focus
In Colorado, human trafficking is not only a growing concern but is also concentrated in certain regions. Adams County alone accounted for 26% of all trafficking cases in the state in 2023.
Types of Trafficking in Colorado
Child Trafficking
Forced Labor
Children are coerced into various labour sectors, including agriculture, begging, and manufacturing.
Sexual Exploitation
Commercial sexual exploitation, including child pornography and forced participation in sex work
Illegal Adoption and Child Soldiers
Trafficking for the purpose of illegal adoption or, though less common in the U.S., for use as child soldiers or in drug trafficking.
Sex Trafficking
Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Adults
Exploitation of adults through prostitution, escort services, and adult entertainment facilitated by coercion or deceit.
Sexual Exploitation of Minors
Any minor engaged in commercial sex is considered a trafficking victim, regardless of the presence of force or coercion.
Sex Tourism
Involves attracting individuals who travel with the intent of engaging in commercial sexual activities with victims of trafficking.
Labor Trafficking
Domestic Servitude
Individuals forced to work in private households, performing domestic chores under conditions akin to servitude.
Agricultural Labor
Exploitation in farming often involves migrant workers deprived of fair wages and living under poor conditions.
Construction and Manual Labor
Workers in construction sites or in manual labour industries who are underpaid, overworked, and restricted in their movement.
Organ Trafficking
Trafficking for Transplantation
Removing organs from victims, typically without consent, to transplant into patients who may unknowingly receive illicitly obtained organs.
Commercial Exploitation
Organs are bought and sold in the black market, often with victims being either coerced into selling organs or deceived about the nature and safety of the surgical procedures involved.
Transplant Tourism
Individuals travel to places where they can obtain organs through illegal means, exploiting the donor's vulnerability or desperation.
Illegal Harvesting
Unauthorized removal of organs from deceased individuals without consent from the family or proper legal and ethical oversight.
LOCAL, NATIONAL & GLOBAL EFFORTS TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Across Colorado & the United States, several agencies are working tirelessly to combat trafficking:
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Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline: Call 1-866-455-5075 or text 720-999-9724 for assistance.
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National Human Trafficking Hotline: Available 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888.
Key Organizations: Includes Denver CASA, FBI, CBI, DOJ, and DHS.
We Are Here to Solve Needs and Gaps in Combating Human Trafficking:
Policy & Legal Advocacy: We push for stronger laws to protect victims and hold traffickers accountable, ensuring justice and systemic change.
Public Education: We lead efforts to raise awareness and educate communities and professionals on identifying and responding to human trafficking.
Specialized Training: We provide essential training for law enforcement, healthcare workers, and legal professionals to effectively support and protect trafficking victims.
Events & Speaking Opportunities: We deliver transformative keynotes to cities, communities, and industry groups, inspiring action and change in the fight against human trafficking.
Data Collection & Sharing: We implement advanced tracking and reporting systems to improve coordination and enhance victim identification in the fight against human trafficking.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING PARTNERS
Actionable Initiatives for 2025 & Beyond
Community Resilience Programs: Partner with local networks to report and combat trafficking, starting with grassroots community education and awareness.
Economic Development: Provide job creation and vocational training to reduce vulnerability in at-risk populations.
Cybersecurity in Anti-Trafficking: Launch specialized units to detect and stop online trafficking.
Cross-Border Collaboration: Work with local, state, and international partners to dismantle cross-border trafficking networks.
Call to Action
Human trafficking is not just a crime but a violation of human rights. The only way to end this epidemic is through collective effort, awareness, and action. Join the fight today and help us put an end to human trafficking in our communities, our country, and around the world.
