SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - As part of an effort to make our community a safe place for all residents, Sacramento County is raising awareness about human trafficking. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and each year, the U.S. Department of State recognizes it as a way to raise awareness about this crime that impacts communities across the country.

Several of Sacramento County's community partners are dedicated to helping victims of human trafficking.

My Sister's House aids Asian and Pacific Islanders and other underserved women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

The Family Justice Center helps victims during legal proceedings.

Other helpful resources and information include:

RTI International provides insight into information about sex trafficking by collecting and sharing data about the issue.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline allows people to report tips about suspicious activity they believe is connected to the crime.

We can all do our part to keep community members safe from human trafficking. Here are some ways we can all work to make a difference.

Learn the signs of human trafficking, which can include: multiple employees living with their employer, signs of physical abuse, a child living with someone who is not their parent, a relative or their legal assigned guardian, a person not having control of personal identification such as a driver’s license or passport, and a child under the legal working age telling you they are forced to work.

If you are in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, call the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If there is an immediate emergency, always call 911.

Become a mentor to a teen, young adult or someone in need. Traffickers may target children or adults who are going through a difficult time, do not have stable housing, or do not have a support system.  

Get involved with a local organization that fights human trafficking, like one of the groups listed above.

Take time to learn more about the warning signs and how to report human trafficking by visiting the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Website.

Sacramento County is dedicated to addressing human trafficking through awareness, education and action. We can all work together to prevent human trafficking and provide hope to those recovering from this crime.​