January is nationally recognized as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time to learn the realities of trafficking, challenge common myths, and take practical steps that make exploitation harder to hide and easier to interrupt.
At REST, we believe prevention is not only possible, it’s powerful. And in 2026, the national theme reminds us that one of the strongest prevention tools is something we all can help create: connection.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking happens when someone is compelled to work or to engage in commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. It can include labor trafficking and sex trafficking, and it often thrives in isolation, instability, and unmet needs.
A critical point: under U.S. standards, any minor (under 18) involved in commercial sex is considered to be experiencing trafficking, even if force, fraud, or coercion isn’t obvious to outsiders.
Trafficking does not always look like what people imagine. Survivors may have a relationship with the person exploiting them. They may be trying to survive, protect someone they love, pay off a debt, keep a job, avoid homelessness, or meet basic needs. That’s why awareness isn’t about “spotting villains”, it’s about understanding vulnerability, reducing harm, and expanding pathways to safety.
2026 Theme: Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.
The 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month theme is “Stronger Connections. Stronger Futures.”
This theme highlights a truth we see every day: healthy, consistent relationships can be a protective factor. Connection looks like:
A young person having at least one safe adult who shows up.
A neighbor who notices something feels off and chooses to respond with care.
A workplace that trains staff and has clear reporting pathways.
A community that makes it easier to access housing, healthcare, and support.
Prevention is not only a campaign, it’s a culture we build together.
Why Awareness and Prevention Matter
Trafficking is often underreported and misunderstood, which means people experiencing exploitation can go unseen for far too long. Awareness and prevention matter because they:
Reduce isolation, which traffickers often leverage
Increase safety, by helping communities recognize risk and respond appropriately
Strengthen systems, so fewer people fall through gaps in housing, healthcare, education, and employment support
Shift the burden, so survivors aren’t forced to navigate trauma alone
Just as important: prevention includes how we respond. Government guidance emphasizes that it may be unsafe to attempt to help someone yourself because you cannot predict how an exploiter may react. The safest step is to contact an organization like REST, who can help assess risk and connect the survivor to local resources.
REST’s role in supporting survivors
REST exists to expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope by offering survivor-centered services that meet people where they are, whether they are seeking immediate crisis support or long-term stability.
Some of the ways REST supports survivors include:
Outreach: meeting survivors at safe locations and helping connect to resources
Community Advocacy: walking alongside survivors as they pursue self-determined goals and independence
Emergency Shelter: including a seven-bed, low-barrier emergency shelter for women 18+
Mental health and substance use services: individual support in person or over the phone
Housing assistance: supporting survivors seeking permanent housing or housing stability
Education: equipping community members and service providers to respond effectively and prevent harm
Last year, over 600 individuals reached out to REST for services, a reminder of both the need, and the impact a supportive response can make.
How you can get involved
You don’t need a title or a specialized background to help prevent trafficking. You can start by strengthening connection and choosing tangible action.
1) Participate in Awareness Month moments
Wear blue on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Sunday, January 11, 2026, and share why connection matters using #WearBlueDay
2) Learn (and help others learn)
Attend our H.O.P.E. training, a free, virtual training that covers the basics of trafficking and explores ways to volunteer and support REST’s work.
Request access to our webinars for additional information and resources.
Invite your workplace, school, faith community, or community group to schedule a REST speaker.
3) Volunteer your time and skills
REST has volunteer opportunities that include direct service, administrative support, event roles, and special projects.
4) Engage as a business, church, or community group
Explore business partnerships that support survivors and help expand awareness and prevention in your networks
Consider church partnerships (financial support, meals, awareness events, and more)
Organize a group activity that rallies your friends or colleagues around survivor support
5) Give to expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope
Your financial support helps keep the hotline answered, shelter available, advocates equipped, and long-term stability within reach. (If you’re looking for a meaningful team activity, hosting a fundraiser is a powerful option too.)
If you or someone you know needs help
REST 24/7 Hotline: (206) 451-REST (7378)
National Human Trafficking 24/7 Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “BEFREE” (233733)