By Parvi Anand
January not only marks the start of a new year and new opportunities but also a chance to raise awareness and bring light into the darkness of human trafficking in the hope of ending it once and for all.
Human trafficking remains a taboo subject, not just in society, but also on our own Lovett campus. I’ve noticed a lack of promotion surrounding prevention, except for the time when senior Anne Bost and sophomore Mary Wonder talked about the Anti-Trafficking Youth Summit. What better month than this one to educate ourselves on how we can identify and prevent human trafficking?
When asked about why the youth summit is so important, Anne Bost reflected on her own experience getting involved. “During my sophomore year, my teacher was reading the “Get Engaged” page, and this opportunity stood out,” she said. “Human trafficking is obviously an important issue, but it’s not one people think about often. Living in Atlanta, you see the signs at the airport, and you’re vaguely aware of it, but you don’t feel like you have the power to help or even learn more. The summit gave me a tangible way to make a difference.”
Sophomore Mary Wonder shared a similar perspective, saying, “When I attended my first summit during freshman year, I didn’t realize the full effect human trafficking has on Atlanta and beyond. The summit opened my eyes through speakers and activities—it was so powerful to hear from a Department of Homeland Security agent who works on real cases and from nonprofit volunteers helping survivors.”
Both agreed that creating awareness is key to breaking the stigma around this issue.
In a follow-up, Mary also shared some powerful statistics from the recent State of the State address in Georgia. The State address highlighted the progress being made in combating human trafficking. “Thanks to the vital work by members of the GRACE Commission, law enforcement partners, including GBI’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, and prosecutors on the state and local levels, all championed by the nation’s best first lady, Marty Kemp,” said Governor Kemp. “The state has now investigated over 330 human trafficking cases, convicted 49 human traffickers, and saved roughly 200 victims!”
Mary emphasized how Georgia is now leading the nation in combating human trafficking due to the efforts of First Lady Marty Kemp and others. “It’s incredible to see swift leadership in action,” she added.
Personally, I took the initiative to start Brushes of Freedom, a youth-led nonprofit that helps human trafficking survivors heal through art therapy. We offer art classes to create a safe space where survivors can express themselves, learn new skills, and work toward independence. Our mission is to partner with other organizations and spread awareness in schools and communities, showing how art can help rebuild lives.
Personally, I took the initiative to start Brushes of Freedom, a youth-led nonprofit dedicated to helping human trafficking survivors heal through art therapy. We offer art classes to provide a safe and nurturing environment where survivors can express themselves, develop new skills, and work toward independence. Our mission is to collaborate with other organizations and raise awareness in schools and communities, demonstrating how art can empower and rebuild lives.
As part of this effort, we are hosting Rhythms of Freedom, a Bollywood dance drama on January 29th, 2025. This event not only celebrates cultural expression but also raises awareness and funds to support human trafficking survivor homes like Wellspring Living and Tapestri.
The work we do through Brushes of Freedom is just one piece of the larger fight against human trafficking. To truly make an impact, it’s important to understand the many forms this crime takes and the ways it affects individuals worldwide. Human trafficking is the illegal trade of humans for purposes such as forced labor, servitude, or other forms of exploitation. When many people think of human trafficking, the first thing that often comes to mind is sexual manipulation and exploitation. However, trafficking takes many different forms, including labor trafficking, where individuals are forced to work under abusive or exploitative conditions, and domestic servitude, where victims are made to work as housekeepers or caregivers without pay. Or even organ trafficking and child soldiering.
Many people don’t realize that human trafficking is happening around them. In fact, there are an estimated 40 million victims of trafficking worldwide, according to the International Labour Organization. Victims can be found in a variety of industries, including agriculture, construction, hospitality, and even retail. Traffickers often prey on vulnerable individuals, manipulating them with promises of better opportunities or using threats to control them.
So how can we recognize human trafficking? According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, common signs include individuals who appear to have no control over their money or identification, show physical signs of abuse, or exhibit extreme fear or anxiety. Traffickers often isolate their victims, keeping them away from family, friends, and any sense of independence.
It’s also worth asking: why is there more awareness surrounding sex trafficking compared to other forms, such as labor trafficking? Both are devastating, yet the latter often flies under the radar. To address human trafficking comprehensively, we must bring attention to its many forms and ensure no aspect of this issue remains in the shadows.
Recently, ICE’s Homeland Security Investigations dismantled a major sex trafficking ring in the Southeast through “Operation Dark Night,” rescuing 11 victims and making 13 criminal arrests. Led by Joaquin Mendez-Hernandez, the ring coerced women from Mexico and Nicaragua into prostitution with threats and false promises. This operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat modern-day slavery and support victims.
As students, we have the power to raise awareness and break the stigma surrounding this issue. We are the future, and our voices matter. The more we learn, the more we can help prevent it from affecting others in our communities.
By raising awareness, educating ourselves, and becoming advocates, we can help make human trafficking a topic that’s no longer ignored or overlooked. It starts with us. This month, let’s take the first step toward making a difference.
