About the Slavery Still Exists Campaign

The Slavery Still Exists Campaign is a local grassroots campaign of the DC Stop Modern Slavery Group to increase public recognition of human trafficking and build a movement of individuals who will call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) Hotline with information about potential trafficking cases. A variety of individuals have already joined the campaign, including students, professionals, members of faith-based organizations, artists, and others who are using their skills, talents, and creative ideas to help raise awareness about human trafficking and publicize the NHTRC hotline in the Washington, DC area.

National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline - 1-888-3737-888

The National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) Hotline is a toll-free, 24 hours, 7 days a week hotline funded by the Department of Health and Human Services. NHTRC Call Specialists can help to connect victims to local services and resources. You can also reach out to the Resource Center to inquire about training and technical assistance needs, to learn more about trafficking, or to receive local referrals.

DC Stop Modern Slavery Group

DC Stop Modern Slavery (DC SMS) is a local anti-trafficking community group in Washington, DC with over 480 members who are dedicated to combating human trafficking in the local Washington, DC area. Polaris Project and other anti-trafficking organizations and professionals in the Washington, DC area work closely with the group.

Why is community involvement key to helping victims of human trafficking?

Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. With reports by the U.S. State Department estimating that between 14,500 and 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked annually into the U.S. and the University of Pennsylvania assessing that 200,000 to 300,000 children are at high risk for sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation in the U.S. every year, human trafficking is an urgent human rights issue that is happening in our midst.

Often, community members come across labor and sex trafficking situations in their day-to-day routines. Raising public awareness about how to recognize a human trafficking situation and how to report information about a potential trafficking case is essential. By increasing the number of community-based tips, more victims will receive help from law enforcement and social service providers to get out of exploitative situations and into safe environments where they can have access to the services they need.

Get Involved

1. Learn how to recognize a potential case of human trafficking and call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) Hotline if you see red flags. Educate yourself about human trafficking, how it occurs in the United States, and how to recognize red flags. Keep your eyes open as you work, socialize, and walk around the Washington, DC area. If you suspect a potential trafficking situation, call the NHTRC Hotline at 1-888-3737-888.
2. Put 1-888-3737-888 in your cell phone so that you can report a potential trafficking case when you see it.
3. Use the power of word of mouth to raise awareness. Expose the reality of modern-day slavery through one-on-one discussions and small group conversations with your family and friends. Let them know how to recognize a potential case of human trafficking, and urge them to put 1-888-3737-888 in their phone.

Volunteer

Join us in handing out information about human trafficking and the NHTRC Hotline at local events in the Washington, DC area. Contact Michelle at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Upcoming events:

• Tabling at the Flea Market at Eastern Market on Capitol Hill on weekends

Sign up to become a member and receive regular updates about human trafficking related events in the DC area and new volunteer opportunities.

Join the Campaign in Your Own Way

Do you have an idea about how you can help raise awareness about human trafficking and publicize the NHTRC hotline? We want to hear from you. Please contact Elizabeth at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .