January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 are two pieces of legislation intended to help victims of human trade. Both are designed to combat the trafficking of persons into slavery or involuntary servitude, and, in part, to help victims, including unaccompanied minor immigrants, seek asylum in the United States.
As a major port city, in close proximity to the U.S.-Mexico border, Houston has been called ground zero for the illegal trade of human beings. Interstate 10, one of the longest transportation arteries in the country, runs through the heart of the city, thereby facilitating the illicit flow of human traffic into and out of the area. Houston’s diverse population, made up of people from all over the world, including, notably, Asia and Latin America, makes it easier for international trafficking victims from these regions to go unnoticed when forced into domestic servitude, food service, or other coerced labor.
During the pandemic, human trafficking has been on the rise, and services to help victims are less widely available. Traffickers exploit the unstable conditions that affect vulnerable people during times of emergency, economic upheaval, or natural disaster. Human trade increased during Hurricane Harvey, and the same is happening now during the COVID-19 public health crisis. The unpredictability and social upset created by such events provide even greater opportunities for exploitation and coercion. Many local, state, and national organizations dedicate resources to combat trafficking efforts by disrupting supply chains and providing relief and aftercare for victims.
In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, 2021, the Harris County Law Library has assembled the following list of resources. Included are a selection of websites for local government initiatives in Harris County, along with the City of Houston’s strategic plan, and additional resources for victims of human trafficking, such as Crime Stoppers and the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Harris County and the Harris County Attorney’s Office
Harris County Constable Precinct 7: Domestic Violence & Human Trafficking
Operation Patriot — A multi-agency effort by 23 law enforcement agencies and nonprofits including HCDAO and HCSD
City of Houston
City of Houston Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative
State & National Resources
Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: Human Trafficking — UT Austin
Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance of the Southern District of Texas — DOJ
Children at Risk: Human Trafficking — Center to End the Trafficking & Exploitation of Children
Get Help, Report Criminal Activity, Show Support
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Crime Stoppers Human Trafficking Awareness
Blue Campaign — Homeland Security