Listen to Survivors: Protect the National Human Trafficking Hotline

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Polaris has operated the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline since 2007, handling 400,000+ contacts and assisting 30,000+ victims and survivors. Over the last five years, we have seen a steady increase in calls directly from victims and survivors — indicating growing trust in the Trafficking Hotline’s services and support.

That trust is now in jeopardy. The National Human Trafficking Hotline Enhancement Act (H.R. 2601) would require the operator of the Trafficking Hotline to turn over information shared by the public to state and local law enforcement on demand, regardless of whether or not an adult trafficking victim consents to the involvement of law enforcement, and contrary to the standard practice that confidentiality belongs to the person being victimized. 

Plainly speaking, the bill endangers the safety and security of victims and survivors, as well as the trust we have built over the past 15+ years.

When requested and as required by existing mandates, Polaris currently refers trafficking situations to local authorities, totaling about one-third of all cases. Such cases involve children, threats of immediate violence, and victims who wish to engage law enforcement but cannot make the call themselves. 

H.R. 2601 strips consent from victims, breaks confidentiality, and demolishes their trust in the Trafficking Hotline as a safe way to connect with help and resources. If this bill passes, victims and survivors will stop contacting the Trafficking Hotline — a stark reality highlighted by multiple survivors, survivor-led organizations, and other anti-trafficking advocates.

The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to take this up for a floor vote before December 15. We urge you to stand united with survivors: Contact your Representative today, and tell them to vote NO on H.R. 2601.

       - How? First, call your Representative, and tell them to vote NO on H.R. 2601. You can find their phone number here (zip code lookup is in the top right corner) and use this script to leave them a message.

       - You can also fill out this form to send an email to your Representative