FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Wednesday, November 16, 2005
Contact: Jane Norris
(202) 401-9215

Campaign Launched in Houston to
Identify, Assist Victims of Human Trafficking

WASHINGTON, D.C. --- The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) today announced a collaboration with law enforcement, federal and local officials and non-governmental organizations in Houston to combat human trafficking. In conjunction with the U.S. Attorney’s office in Houston, ACF’s Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign is part of a nationwide effort to train those most likely to encounter victims of human trafficking – social service organizations, local law enforcement and health care professionals.

“Human trafficking is, quite simply, modern day slavery,” said HHS Assistant Secretary for Children and Families, Wade F. Horn, Ph.D. “This partnership in Houston is necessary to help identify and assist more victims through increased awareness and the involvement of the local community.”

Members of the Houston coalition include the Galveston-Houston Roman Catholic Archdiocese, YMCA International Services of Greater Houston and the Harris Country AFL-CIO. Coalition representatives gathered with officials to officially launch the effort to rescue and restore victims in Texas.

An estimated 14,000 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States annually. Victims are trafficked across international borders from such regions as Southeast Asia, Latin America, the former Soviet Union and Africa. Often, they are forced into sex and slave labor.

Houston coalition members will be trained to help identify victims and to create a grassroots network of outreach to bring victims to safety. Once victims are identified, they will be referred to a local aid organization. Certified trafficking victims are granted access to federal benefits and services including the possibility of obtaining a T-Visa, a special category of visa designed to help victims secure immigration status.

The campaign helps educate Americans about the problem of human trafficking and how citizens can help victims in their community. A toll-free trafficking information/referral hotline provides information and assistance to organizations and victims of trafficking (1-888-373-7888).

To learn more about the campaign to rescue and restore victims of human trafficking, visit www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.
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