This is National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month. Local advocates are telling people that there are still many problems in our country and even in our state, human trafficking is one of them.
Nampa Family Justice Center It is hoped that the training they provide will help the community better identify and serve human trafficking victims. Today the center provided an ‘Understanding Human Trafficking’ training explaining how traffickers prey on vulnerable people, factors that could put you or your loved ones at higher risk, and warning signs to look out for should give.
“Human trafficking can be divided into both sex trafficking and labor trafficking,” said Taylor Cook, human trafficking project coordinator for the Nampa Family Justice Center.
“Another issue when it comes to reporting human trafficking is that we are misdiagnosing it,” Cook said.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the Idaho Division received 109 contacts for assistance in 2021; 54 were direct contacts made by human trafficking victims and survivors. But exact numbers are difficult to ascertain because these crimes are often misdiagnosed and underreported.
Taylor Cook said, “But what I can tell you, just from working with victims and survivors on a daily weekly basis, it’s definitely happening in our state.”
The mission of the Nampa Family Justice Center is to promote safety, self-reliance, hope, and healing for those affected by abuse. The Nampa Family Justice Center provides free services to the community and is located in Nampa at 1305 3rd St. S. or by calling (208) 475-5700.
