What Can You Do to Influence Human Trafficking Policy?
Human trafficking generates more than $150 billion every year. Types of trafficking include sex trafficking, forced labor, bonded labor, involuntary domestic servitude and child soldier recruitment and use. Advocating for change begins by following one small step after the other.
Individuals and organizations gather to empower survivors, encourage justice and take steps to end human trafficking. One important way to advocate for justice is to play a part in influencing human trafficking policy.
There are several international policies in place to fight human trafficking as well as policies within the US. Though these policies are important, there is still work to be done to further the fight against trafficking. Where we spend our money, what petitions we sign, and what information we listen to all play a role in creating better policies to fight trafficking and support survivors.
Once someone is aware of trafficking, they often ask the question: “What can I do?” If you are looking to influence human trafficking policy, here are a few ways to do just that.
1. Stay informed and get your information from reputable sources.
In order to advocate well, it is helpful to stay informed about what is happening globally and locally in regards to human trafficking. Keeping up with organizations such as A21, the Polaris Project and Dressember (see our blog) is an effective way to stay knowledgeable and learn about the human trafficking industry.
2. Know the signs of trafficking.
There is a need for policy that protects and encourages survivors of trafficking. One of the ways that you can play a part in protecting survivors is knowing the signs of trafficking. A few of these include: lack of earnings, lack of personal belongings, depressed and submissive behavior, and bad health and malnutrition. You can report human trafficking through the Human Trafficking Hotline.
3. Advocate for change for labor laws and transparency in the garment industry.
Support companies that are transparent about their labor conditions. Fast fashion tends to shy away from sharing where or how their products are made. Choose to spend your money on companies that are open and honest about who makes their products and how their workers are treated. As a consumer, you have the power to pressure brands to be held to a higher standard. Once you decide to purchase from a company with more ethical labor practices, contact customer service and tell the company you used to shop from why you no longer do.
4. Work towards change in your state for policies that prevent treating survivors of trafficking like criminals.
According to research published by the Polaris Project in March of 2019, “a survey found that 91% of survivor respondents had a criminal record as a result of being trafficked.” Shared Hope International is an organization that discusses human trafficking policy in each state. By taking a quick look at resources on their site, you can find out what your state is doing to fight against human trafficking, and you can advocate by signing petitions to end the criminalization of trafficking survivors and other injustices.
5. Donate your resources to organizations that have been involved in the fight against human trafficking.
Together, we are much stronger. If you have the resources, consider contributing to an organization that is making a change in the fight against trafficking. When we join together, organizations are able to grow and continue to raise awareness. Awareness leads to action and action leads to policy change. Check out the Dressember Network to learn about the important anti-trafficking work of our programmatic partners.
6. Call your Senators and Representatives and request more support and attention to anti-trafficking bills.
A very practical way to influence policy is to ask for justice. Anti-trafficking is something that requires funding. Calling government officials and asking for more attention and funding to be given to anti-trafficking legislation is a tangible way to move towards better policy. One example of an anti-trafficking bill that needs more attention is the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act of 2020. You can read up on it here.
The fight against trafficking is more effective when we work together. Together, our voices have an impact on the world. Together, we can demand a world that is free of trafficking.
About the Author
Shannon Haupert is originally from the West Coast and is now navigating life in New York City. You can find her anywhere with a journal in one hand and snacks in the other. She is passionate about sustainability, human rights, and creativity. When she's not writing, she spends her time working as a nanny, exploring the city, and drinking far too much coffee along the way.