With Human Trafficking Awareness Month rounding out, we wanted to make an effort to shine some more light on this horrific crime and what you can do to help raise awareness and educate yourself. Trafficking is a problem that all of us at Three Tree Coffee Roasters are passionate about addressing.
SOME FACTS...
Today there are between 21-30 million people enslaved in the world. That more than any time in history. Although this is a global issue, it also hits close to home. In 2021 alone, 10,359 situations of human trafficking were reported to the US National Human Trafficking Hotline involving 14,554 individual victims. Shocking as these numbers are, they are likely only a fraction of the actual problem.
CHANGE BEGINS WITH ONE...
The question arises: What can we do about it?
It's easy to become overwhelmed when thinking about such a huge issue. It starts with one person taking a stand.
Begin by raising awareness within your local community, your family, your friend group. Use your social media to make a difference by being a voice for the voiceless.
Learn to identify the warning signs of human trafficking.
Victims may:
- Avoid eye contact
- Be unable to speak for themselves
- Seem anxious, especially around law enforcement
- Not know where they are staying
- Have inconsistencies in their story
- Show signs of mental or physical abuse
- Not be dressed properly for the weather
Shop ethically and with purpose. There are many great companies that support fair trade, making their products without utilizing sweat shops or children. There are also a lot of companies that employ survivors of human trafficking. At Three Tree we have the honor of selling products from three such companies.
Joyn*
Prodigal Pottery (Find Three Tree PP mugs here)
*You can find Joyn bags and Starfish Project jewelry in our Statesboro and Pooler locations!
If you know someone who may be a victim, or is in a vulnerable position, or if you are a victim and need help, please call the hotline at the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at
1-888-373-7888
Leave a comment