January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

  • Published
  • By Lauren Russell
  • 66th Air Base Group Public Affairs

HANSCOM AIR FORCE BASE, Mass. – Base leaders recognized January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month during a proclamation signing here, Jan. 6.  

The intent is to draw attention to the forms of slavery that exist in the modern era and raise awareness on how community members can take action in preventing and ending the epidemic of human trafficking.

“A victim could be an immigrant chasing the American dream, or an aspiring model here from overseas,” said Jersouk Touy, Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Office program manager. “They’re just looking to start a new life but then their passport is stolen, and now they’re trapped in forced labor or sex trafficking with no way out.”

People at a higher risk of trafficking include those new to the country or area, those who don’t speak the language and at-risk youth or children with unstable home lives, said Touy.

“It’s no different than sexual assault,” she said. “These pimps are predators, and they’ll pick out the most vulnerable people to prey upon.”

Representatives from the FBI will be discussing cyber and internet safety as part of the Combat Trafficking in Persons event at the Minuteman Commons Ballroom here, Jan. 23 at 11 a.m., to educate guardians about child and teen internet safety.

Indicators of human trafficking can include children who have stopped attending school or are traveling alone, persons with bruises in various stages of healing or showing signs of having been denied food and water, and persons who lack personal possessions.

Personnel can report tips to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

“If you see something that looks off, call the hotline,” said Rachel Desharnais, installation victim advocate. “There’s no harm in calling anonymously and, if you’re right, you could save someone’s life.”

Col. Chad Ellsworth, installation commander, urges all members of the Hanscom community to educate themselves on the practices of modern slavery along with the signs and consequences of the crime.

“Together, we can end the most serious, ongoing criminal civil rights violation,” he said.