Tell Congress to Support the Trafficking Hotline

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Every day, the National Human Trafficking Hotline responds to an average of 250+ viable calls, text messages, and online chats. The situations shared with the Hotline vary widely: It may be an aspiring actress who took a modeling job that turned out to involved forced commercial sex; a father of three coerced into working 12-hour days with no breaks or pay; or a caring neighbor who has noticed the way the housekeeper next door is exploited. 

In all situations, the Trafficking Hotline works to connect victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking to local services, including shelter, legal aid, transportation, and connection to law enforcement when required or requested by survivors. Since inception, the Hotline has handled nearly 1.5 million total signals and 400,000+ substantive signals, identified 82,000+ trafficking situations, and assisted 75,800+ victims and survivors.

But as awareness of and trust in the Trafficking Hotline has grown, so has the signal volume. Over the last four years alone, total signals have surged by 40% compared to the first 12 years of operation. Meanwhile, federal funding has not kept pace with this growth: Congress provides only 35% of the resources needed to keep the Hotline running at the level victims and survivors deserve.

In response, Polaris, allied organizations, and movement leaders are requesting an increase in annual funding for the Trafficking Hotline from its current level of $5 million to $6.5 million for Fiscal Year 2025. This figure accounts for an increased call volume and requisite staffing and operational capacity increases, technology, and data security, and will enable this vital support system to more effectively and efficiently address the needs of victims and survivors. 

You can raise your voice alongside us! Here are two ways to help ensure victims and survivors can exit situations of trafficking and continue their journeys toward recovery, healing, and freedom.

- Call or make an appointment with your Members of Congress to ask them to increase funding for the Trafficking Hotline. You can find their phone number here.
- You can also fill out this form to send an email to your Representative and Senators.