If you missed the National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11th, it is not too late to observe Trafficking Awareness Month, which spans the entire month of January.
Here in the CNMI the proclamation signing of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month at the Office of the Governor on Capital Hill took place on January 10th.
Human trafficking may be a hidden crime and yet it is right in front of us.
Perhaps you know someone who is being trafficked. Perhaps you know someone who gave in to the temptation to make a profit by exploiting someone’s labor or sexuality.
Remember this: No one signs up to be a victim; they are duped by promises of a better life or better wage.
For the last dozen years, Karidat has been at the front lines of providing comfort and material support to people who have found themselves victimized by traffickers in the CNMI.
These people are often desperate for help and unable to escape from situations where they are indebted, held against their will, or too ashamed to flee.
They have needed material help and also the support and encouragement necessary to start over and rebuild their lives after serious traumatic experiences.
If YOU are inspired to help victims: Please use the following resources to learn how to identify victims and the signs of human trafficking. Call Karidat during regular office hours if you would like to learn how to partner with us and get involved in on-the-ground solutions right here in the CNMI.
https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/tools
https://www.themuse.com/advice/human-trafficking-the-myths-and-the-realities