BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The number of human trafficking cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline are projected to jump at least 25 percent in 2018 compared to 2017.
According to Polaris, which has been operating with the Hotline for 11 years, the increase means that the Hotline is on track to handle more than 11,000 cases of human trafficking across 2018- the largest number of annual cases to date.
From January to September 2018, the National Hotline addressed about 8,700 cases of reported human trafficking, compared to nearly 7,000 over the first three quarters of 2017.
“The significant increase in cases we’re handling this year is a reflection of the more targeted and better-informed efforts to raise awareness about true nature of human trafficking in the United States,” Caroline Diemar, Director of the National Human Trafficking Hotline said. “We’re also reaching more survivors more effectively. Through new text and chat services that allow discreet communication through their phones, survivors are creating safety plans with our Hotline Advocates and getting connected to help more than ever before.”
People can be connected to help or report a tip of suspected human trafficking by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, texting "BeFree" (233733), or chatting at www.humantraffickinghotline.org
