Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month across the country. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, “Human trafficking affects individuals across the world, and right here in Michigan. It is commonly regarded as the second largest criminal enterprise after drugs, and it affects every community in Michigan across age, gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic backgrounds.”

While the awareness of the issue has increased in many cities and states across the country, much still remains to be done. One major area of focus for many organizations has become prevention and education efforts. It’s what the Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) was founded on. Since 2012, the organization has presented to dozens of organizations each year and have been a catalyst for collaboration among advocates and stakeholders addressing human trafficking in Michigan. 

This month, MAP is teaming up with St. Clair County Community College to offer a free movie night on January 21. The event will take place from 6:30-8:30 in the college’s Fine Arts Theatre. The featured movie, titled Break the Chain,chronicles two survivors of Human Trafficking within Michigan communities providing a detailed look at how trafficking goes unnoticed within our backyards. To find out more about what you can do or how to attend the event, visit michiganabolitionistproject.org/events.

Reporting for WGRT, Karly Hurley.