January Is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time when organizations across the country work to shed light on one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time. It is also a meaningful moment for Canopy to announce the launch of our Anti-Trafficking Program, a long-needed service designed to support survivors in Northwest Arkansas while strengthening community awareness and prevention efforts.
Understanding Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is far more common than many realize. It affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. Certain conditions can increase vulnerability, including unstable housing, past experiences of violence, involvement in the child welfare or juvenile justice systems, economic hardship, or having a caregiver struggling with substance use. Understanding these risk factors helps communities build stronger, more responsive systems of care.
A New Program to Meet a Critical Need
Canopy’s Anti-Trafficking Program was created to fill a significant gap in services in Northwest Arkansas. Through this program, Canopy provides trauma-informed case management that prioritizes survivor safety, stability, and long-term well-being. Survivors are at the center of our work, and our team is committed to walking alongside each individual as they work toward healing and rebuilding their lives.
The Scope of the Issue
Human trafficking is an underground crime, making it difficult to track and measure. Even so, available data offers a glimpse into its scale. The International Labour Organization estimates that 49.6 million people worldwide are living in situations of exploitation, including forced labor and forced marriage. The United Nations estimates that 27.6 million people globally are experiencing trafficking.
In the United States, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 11,999 cases in 2024, involving 21,865 victims. These numbers represent only a fraction of the true scope of trafficking, as many cases go unreported and new forms of exploitation continue to emerge.
In Arkansas alone, 80 cases were reported last year, involving 153 victims through the National Human Trafficking Hotline. These figures do not fully reflect the reality on the ground, where trafficking remains a serious and ongoing concern requiring coordinated community action.
Beyond the Numbers
While data helps illustrate the magnitude of human trafficking, it can never capture the human reality behind it. Behind every statistic is a person with a story that deserves dignity, justice, and support. That is why raising awareness, advocating for stronger protections, and building coordinated community responses are essential. Prevention is critical, but ensuring survivors have access to safe environments and long-term resources is equally vital.
Building on Strong Partnerships
Canopy’s Anti-Trafficking Program builds on years of experience serving vulnerable populations and on the strong partnerships we have cultivated across Northwest Arkansas. We are also forming new alliances with organizations and individuals committed to supporting survivors and strengthening community resilience.
Join Us This January
We invite you to follow us on social media as we share information, resources, and ways to get involved. Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and help make Northwest Arkansas a safer and more compassionate community.
Need Help or Know Someone Who Does?
If you need assistance or know someone who might need support, please contact us:
Phone: 479-717-7358
Email: human.trafficking@canopynwa.org
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