January is also known as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a key time for us all as individuals to educate ourselves about human trafficking and crucially to learn to spot the signs of trafficking. It is also a time for us take these messages to our workplaces, our churches, our schools, our representatives and everywhere else.

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, includes both forced labor and sex trafficking. It not only represents a threat to international peace and security but also undermines the rule of law, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, enriches transnational criminals and terrorists, and threatens public safety and national security everywhere.

January is also Stalking Awareness Month. It is critical that we raise awareness about the violating nature of stalking and its warning signs. Stalking often occurs in many different forms, including making repeated unsolicited phone calls, sending unwanted letters or other items, and following victims or showing up at their workplaces or homes. COVID-19 restrictions create new vulnerabilities for victims of stalking, particularly through online methods and social media.

Here is a great resource to use if you are experiencing stalking. We encourage you to work with a victim service provider to complete this assessment and to develop safety strategies.

Link : SHARP | Stalking Awareness & Prevention | SPARC