Jan. 11 Is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

There are more slaves on Earth today than there ever have been before. Today's recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Day is just one small step in the mission to end slavery and human trafficking.

Did you know

• There are currently 30 million people enslaved.
• Sex traffickers target 12-to-17 year olds.
• Every two minutes a child is sold as a slave.
• In Georgia, more than 12,000 men purchase sex with young women in a given month.
• About 100 young girls are sexually exploited each night in Georgia. On averge, those girls are exploited three times each night.
• Almost half of men who buy sex either seek out young girls or disregard signs that they are underage.
• Atlanta was listed by the FBI as one of the top cities for human trafficking.

How you can help

According to the fact sheet from the Georgia Governor's Office for Children and Families, look for warning signs such as "branding" tattoos from pimps. These tattoos could include initials or money signs.

Look for girls who are frequently with an older male relative or boyfriend.

Look for girls who are withdrawn, who often have large amounts of cash and who lack personal hygeine and wear inappropriate clothing.

Read additional statistics on the fact sheet PDF attached to this report.

Donate

Several groups take online donations for programs designed to end slavery. Check out these links for more information:

• Innocence Atlanta
• World Vision
• Polaris Project