Governor Hochul Proclaims January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Helping to Raise Awareness and Highlighting Services Available to Survivors

January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in New York State and highlighting ongoing efforts to raise awareness of human trafficking. Throughout the month-and on January 11, which is recognized annually as Human Trafficking Awareness Day-state agency members of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking will be sharing information on social media to raise awareness of human trafficking and the critical services available to support survivors. Human trafficking refers to the use of force, fraud, or coercion to make someone engage in labor or commercial sex.

"Our agency is proud to co-chair the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking and to support a number of non-profit providers throughout the state to provide client-centered services for survivors of human trafficking so they can heal and start a new chapter in their lives," Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. "We are thankful that Governor Hochul recognizes the importance of continuing to prioritize supporting survivors and ensuring they have the legal and social services resources they need while taking steps to prevent trafficking."

"Last year, New York State recorded a record number of trafficked individuals," Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner Rossana Rosado said. "DCJS is committed to preventing and responding to human trafficking, from co-chairing the state's Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking to training law enforcement and prosecutors to respond to signs of trafficking and assisting with the state's process of identifying and confirming survivors so they can receive the assistance they need. We thank Governor Hochul, OTDA, law enforcement and providers for their partnership in our efforts to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking."

The 11 state agencies that are part of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, which is co-chaired by OTDA and DCJS, all play a critical role in working to prevent trafficking and identifying and assisting survivors of human trafficking.

The agencies involved in the task force use data-driven approaches to identify those with increased vulnerability to being trafficked and implement targeted prevention strategies. This work includes creating an outreach poster-that includes examples of trafficking and is available in 12 languages-to help individuals recognize tactics that have been used to force labor and inform them of service providers who can provide assistance. A Youth Working group, co-chaired by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and DCJS, has also been established to target recruitment and trafficking of minors. The task force routinely provides training to organizations throughout the state to raise awareness of human trafficking and to help ensure services are client-centered and trauma informed.

OTDA and DCJS play a key role in helping trafficked individuals access services. DCJS receives referrals from law enforcement agencies and established social and/or legal services providers and, in consultation with OTDA, confirms individuals as having been trafficked. The confirmation process links individuals with access to critical services and support.

In 2024, 404 individuals were confirmed, 192 for sex trafficking, 166 for labor trafficking, and 46 for both sex and labor trafficking.

In addition to collaborating with state partners, OTDA and DCJS provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement and other stakeholders on human trafficking.

OTDA also manages the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RTHP), which allocates nearly $2.4 million annually to community-based providers for culturally appropriate, trauma-informed services for trafficked persons, including: emergency needs, such as food or clothing; shelter/rental assistance; medical and mental health care; and legal services. RHTP focuses on those individuals who would otherwise not have access to needed services, including those who are not eligible for public benefits.

The New York State Office of Victim Services funds and supports more than 200 victim assistance programs across the state that provide essential services, such as crisis counseling, support groups, case management, emergency shelter, civil legal help, and relocation assistance, among other assistance, to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes, and their families. More information can be found at www.ovs.ny.gov/connect.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens said, "We know human trafficking can present in many ways, including as a form of intimate partner violence. We know that technology is making it easier for traffickers to exert power and control over their victims. We also know that victims and survivors of human trafficking are at increased risk of experiencing other forms of gender-based violence in their lifetime. OPDV is committed to combatting human trafficking, along with all of partner agencies on the state's Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, and to ensuring victims and survivors have the supports and resources they need to find safety and healing. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for raising awareness and making the safety of all New Yorkers a top priority."

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, "Not only do we protect all workers' rights under the law; our collaborations with agency partners ensure New Yorkers experiencing labor trafficking get the vital support and services they need. We applaud Governor Hochul and our fellow taskforce members working diligently on this important issue and for their commitment to preventing human trafficking in all of its forms."

New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, "OCFS proudly joins the Governor and the members of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking in denouncing human trafficking and its inherent violations of human rights. We must consistently message, not just during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, that there are resources available to prevent and intervene. Nearly two-thirds of all referrals to OCFS's Safe Harbour: NY program are for children younger than the age of 16; therefore, it is our vested interest to continue the good work of the task force and address the intersecting areas of vulnerability and supports for children, youth and adults who are at-risk or have emerged from the grips of human exploitation."

Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, "We commend OTDA and DCJS for the work they do to prevent and address human trafficking, including welcoming victims and survivors to provide input and feedback to ensure that programs and outreach are effective and that law enforcement know how to recognize and respond to signs of trafficking. OVS is proud to partner with our sister agencies and provide support to victim assistance providers and compensation to victims that ensure that trafficking victims have access to the resources they need for safety and healing, including medical care, counseling, and legal representation."

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