January 2025 marks National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This year’s theme highlights the importance of a holistic approach to prevent trafficking. It recognizes the critical intersection of trafficking with other forms of violence and social issues. By connecting the dots between human trafficking, online harassment and abuse, interpersonal violence, and other forms of abuse, we can disrupt multiple forms of exploitation.
Many Anchor House youth and young adults have experienced or are at-risk of experiencing sex or labor trafficking. According to the National Network for Youth, one in five youth experiencing homelessness are also a victim of human trafficking. Statistics show that in less than 72 hours on the street, a youth will be approached by someone looking to exploit them.
Anchor House is committed to raising awareness about this issue, teaching our youth to identify potential trafficking situations and educate our community on the impact human trafficking has on those affected.
The top risk factors for human trafficking are substance abuse concerns; youth who are runaways and/or experiencing homelessness; unstable housing; recent migration/relocation; mental health concerns; economic hardship; and criminal record/criminal history. Anchor House programs connects and provides services that address all of these risk factors.
To identify youth that may be experiencing homelessness and trafficking, our Street Outreach Program team searches areas in Mercer County to encourage and help vulnerable youth gain access to services and connect them with programs like our Shelter and Safe Housing initiatives. Anchor House has also worked with agencies like the NJDCF Division of Child Protection & Permanency (DCP&P) and the Attorney General to provide services to identified youth. Many of the youth Anchor House works with identify as LGBTQI+ and have been involved in the child welfare system; both populations are particularly vulnerable and experience trafficking at higher rates than other youth experiencing homelessness.
According to the FBI, New Jersey is regarded as a hub for human trafficking. This is mainly because of the state’s dense population and close proximity to both Interstate 95 and major tourist hotspots like New York and Atlantic City that make New Jersey a prime location for the transportation of workers involuntarily forced into sex work or forced labor. That is why it is beneficial to youth needing services that Anchor House is easily accessible as it is located in on a bus route and near the Trenton Train Station. Anchor House is also easily accessible by car from several major highways including Interstate 95.
This Human Trafficking Prevention Month calls for collective action to strengthen prevention at every level—individual, relational, community and societal. By addressing root causes, reducing risks, and increasing protective factors, we can prevent exploitation before it starts. Together, with our community partners, we can strengthen our collective efforts to keep everyone safe from human trafficking.
Stay informed and engaged throughout January by visiting the Office on Trafficking in Persons’
website for news, resources and events.
