Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month where all across the country, people will come together to support victims of human trafficking.

Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking in which victims, often children, are forced to engage in commercial sex acts. In the United States, 100,000-300,000 children become victims of sex trafficking each year. Worldwide, there are approximately 4.5 million victims.

Hawai’i in particular has a high rate of sex trafficking because of the large number of tourists and military personnel who live in and visit the state. It is why our mission at Hō’ola Nā Pua is so vital.

In the spirit of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we will be holding an awareness walk and rally on January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, to bring attention to trafficked children on our islands. The rally will begin at 6 a.m. at Bishop Square, followed by the walk at 6:30. At 11:00 am, the awareness fair will begin and will continue until 1 p.m. All are welcome to come walk in solidarity with victims of sex trafficking in Hawaii. Visit our event page for more information and to sign up.

If you’re unable to make the event, there are many other ways to show your support:

Take to Social Media

Helping begins with education and advocacy. Let everyone know that human trafficking has no place on our islands. Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and/or follow us on Instagram. Then tag your anti-trafficking posts with #HumanTraffickingAwareness and #NotOnOurIslands.

Donate

Donations to Hō’ola Nā Pua support the development of our operations and programs along with a long-term residential treatment facility for underage female victims of sex trafficking. Once complete, the home will accommodate about 32 girls with 24-hour care and supervision.

Click here to donate

Host a Fundraiser

If you’re unable to donate money directly to Hō’ola Nā Pua, host a fundraiser in your community to raise money for and awareness of sex trafficking in Hawaii. For inspiration, read about volunteer Danae Jones who held a group hike at Ka’ena Point to raise funds for the organization.

Click here or more information about hosting a fundraiser

Volunteer

Hō’ola Nā Pua is always looking for passionate, dedicated volunteers to support our mission. We welcome people from all backgrounds and skillsets, and make an effort to match interests with volunteer opportunities.

Click here if you are interested in volunteering