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News Brief

Jan. 9, 2025Jefferson City, Mo. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MoDOT to recognize National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

a woman who is being trafficked

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with this Saturday being recognized as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is highlighting its ongoing efforts to combat trafficking and educate the public on how to recognize and report it.

Missouri, a central U.S. transportation hub, sees heavy highway traffic daily, making common spots like rest areas, gas stations, and hotels key areas where trafficking may occur.

In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 249 cases in Missouri, involving 356 victims.

MoDOT has trained its employees to spot and report signs of trafficking through its partnership with the national Transportation Leaders Against Human Trafficking initiative.

Warning signs include visible abuse, branding tattoos, lack of identification, or individuals showing discomfort or being unable to speak for themselves.

If you suspect trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "Be-Free" to 233733.