CLICK HERE TO QUICKLY LEAVE THE WEBSITE

Do you know the signs of human trafficking? Click to learn more.

As January unfolds, so does the opportunity to cast a spotlight on an issue that persists in the shadows — human trafficking. Recognizing January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we aim to raise awareness around this issue, particularly within the borders of New Hampshire. While the Granite State is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and tight-knit communities, it is not immune to the challenges posed by human trafficking.

Despite its relatively small size, New Hampshire has witnessed a concerning rise in human trafficking cases in recent years. According to the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, the state reported 64 human trafficking cases in 2021, revealing a disturbing trend that demands our attention. Since its inception, the Human Trafficking Hotline has identified 112 cases of human trafficking in NH.  366 victims were identified in these cases. These cases involve both sex and labor trafficking, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds. According to the NH Court system, sex trafficking is defined as any commercial sex act forced, deceived, or coerced or where the person persuaded to commit the act is a minor. Labor trafficking refers to the recruitment, housing, transportation, providing, or acquisition of a person for work or services by coercion, deception, or force with the intent to submit them to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

Human trafficking is a complex issue that thrives in the shadows, making awareness and education paramount in the fight against it. Traffickers exploit vulnerabilities, preying on the marginalized and disenfranchised. New Hampshire’s unique blend of urban and rural areas can provide traffickers with opportunities to operate discreetly, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive and community-driven response.

New Hampshire, however, is not standing idly by. Numerous local organizations, including the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force, NH Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence, Brigid’s House of Hope, CCCNH, and others, are working tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support to survivors, and advocate for legislative changes. Human Trafficking Awareness Month serves as a platform for these organizations to amplify their efforts and engage the community in the battle against this . For more information visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline or the NH Human Trafficking Collaborative Taskforce.