Why Victim Identification is the Key to Combating Human Trafficking
Guardian Group
Harnessing the Power of Many Until All Are Free from Sex Trafficking in the US
Human trafficking is one of the most devastating crimes of our time, yet less than 0.5% of victims are ever identified. That means 99.6% remain trapped, unable to escape their traffickers. Without identification, there’s no recovery, no justice, and no healing.
As John Cotton Richmond, former U.S. Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, puts it: “Society cannot address what it cannot identify.”
The Hidden Nature of Domestic Trafficking
Many assume trafficking only happens overseas, but it is a growing crisis within the United States. Traffickers use coercion, manipulation, and threats to control victims, making them difficult to identify. Even when sold online, their identities are disguised behind fake names and ages, making detection even harder.
Without proper identification, survivors remain unseen, and traffickers operate with impunity.
Why Identification Matters
Victim identification is the first and most crucial step in the fight against trafficking. It allows:
? Immediate protection and support – Victims gain access to shelter, medical care, and legal assistance.
? Breaking the cycle of exploitation – Many victims are trafficked repeatedly. Identifying them gives them a way out.
? Strengthening law enforcement efforts – When victims are identified, authorities can track traffickers and dismantle networks.
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How Guardian Group is Taking Action
While much attention is given to aftercare, the reality is that without identification, there’s no one to support. That’s why Guardian Group’s Project 1591 volunteer program focuses on victim identification through Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT).
?? $100,000 in aftercare supports 1 survivor.
?? The same amount invested in Project 1591 supports 250 survivors.
Two Ways to Make an Impact
?? Volunteer with Project 1591 – Join a network of skilled volunteers using OSINT to help identify victims online for law enforcement action.
?? Donate – If time isn’t an option, your financial support fuels our ability to identify more victims to law enforcement.
Be the Key to Bringing Victims Out of the Darkness
“If we’re not able to identify victims, we can’t help them.” – John Cotton Richmond
Will you take action? Join us today.
?? Volunteer Today https://bit.ly/4k7e5sR
?? Give Now https://bit.ly/3Xfc0RE
#EndTrafficking #Project1591 #OSINTforGood #GuardianGroup #BeTheKey
Polyglot Investigator and Published Translator - I find things out | Investigative and research services | Professional translations from French, Arabic, Spanish to English | Author of "Children of the Province," 2024
3 周It's very encouraging to see initiatives like this take off.