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When is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2023?

A graphic for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2023 featuring statistics, a blue handprint, and a helpline number: (866) GO SEE SAM.

National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized every year on January 11. Also known as #WearBlueDay, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness about the inhumane practice which the federal government confirms strips nearly 25 million people of their “safety, dignity, and liberty – disproportionately affecting historically underserved and marginalized communities.”

“During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ending this inhumane and immoral practice in all its forms. And as we bring perpetrators to justice, we renew our pledge to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives,” the White House said in a statement.

Statistics for Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2023

From a statistical standpoint, the worldwide toll of human trafficking is sobering and highlights the critical need for increased awareness as well as legislation to combat such criminal activity.

According to the Department of Defense, some of the most current 2023 statistics on worldwide human trafficking include:

  • $99 billion is estimated to be made annually through sex trafficking.
  • 4.5 million people throughout the world are victims of forced sexual exploitation.
  • $51 billion per year is accumulated through forced labor.
  • 21 million victims worldwide are believed to be victims of forced labor.
  • One in six endangered runaways reported in the United States are likely to become victims of sex trafficking.
  • 20% of human trafficking victims are children.
  • Females forced into domestic servitude are often sexually exploited.

What are the Top 10 Causes of Pedestrian Accident Injuries?

Pedestrian accidents can result in serious and even catastrophic injuries. Due to the number of pedestrian accidents that often involve head injuries, long-term medical care is commonly required for trauma such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), concussion (MTBI), or post-concussion syndrome. Accordingly, avoiding a pedestrian accident at all costs is imperative.

Let’s look at the most common causes of pedestrian accidents leading to injuries and fatalities.

The Top 10 Most Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

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  1. Distracted driving: Whether it’s texting while driving, drowsy driving, or simple daydreaming, a distracted motorist is always an inherent danger to unsuspecting pedestrians. With the increased prevalence of cell phones, vehicle GPS units, and high-tech consoles that even include gaming systems, there is no shortage of potential distractions for drivers. Pedestrian accident fatalities hit a four-year high nationwide in 2021, with California recording the largest number in the nation – 958.
  2. Distracted walking: It’s not breaking news that many of us walk around distracted and looking down at our cell phones. As a result, incidents of distracted walking leading to pedestrian accidents have reportedly skyrocketed, with 76% of drivers surveyed in a recent poll confirming that they saw pedestrians distracted by their phones, according to Carinsurance.org.
  3. Speeding: Speeding represents the greatest contributing factor in motor vehicle crashes which occur here in the United States. Throughout the state, illegal street racing has recently made headlines, often due to accidents involving serious injuries or fatalities. In response to the number of speeding incidents having increased dramatically since the onset of the pandemic, California recently implemented new legislation aimed at reducing speed limits.
  4. Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol: Although driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol is universally considered taboo, accidents due to such actions are not uncommon. DUI-related pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries as well as fatalities.
  5. Jaywalking: Crossing the middle of the street in oncoming traffic is a common factor that leads to pedestrian accidents. California recently passed the Freedom to Walk Act, effectively decriminalizing jaywalking. However, pedestrians should still be aware of the increased risk of accidents when failing to use marked crosswalks.
  6. Motor vehicles failing to yield the right of way to pedestrians: Separate from jaywalking, car, truck, motorcycle, and even scooter drivers are often guilty of not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks. When motorists fail to look out for those moving on foot, the result can be serious and even fatal pedestrian accidents.
  7. Not obeying posted traffic signals: When a motor vehicle driver fails to obey a traffic light, stop sign, or even the posted speed limit, a pedestrian can be seriously injured in an accident. Reckless driving and speeding are two examples of actions on the part of drivers which can lead to a failure to obey traffic signals and, as a result, injure pedestrians.
  8. Failing to properly signal when turning: Proper use of your vehicle’s signals can help avoid pedestrian accidents – particularly when driving at night. Making a turn without signaling is a common cause of pedestrian accidents.
  9. Defective roadway conditions: A pothole or other type of roadway defect is a common factor leading to pedestrian accidents. Drivers may swerve to avoid potholes or construction zones and end up striking a pedestrian in the process. Moreover, potholes and roadway defects can cause pedestrians to slip or trip and fall – often resulting in serious injuries.
  10. Inexperienced driving (teenage driving): Teenagers and young people are more prone to causing car accidents, often as a result of simple inexperience. That said, teenagers are also considered more likely to drive while distracted – often due to texting while driving. An inexperienced driver is a common cause of pedestrian accident injuries and deaths.

“Human trafficking is a challenge that transcends borders, so the Department of State and United States Agency for International Development have partnered with allies across the globe to detect human trafficking, connect victims with supportive services, and strengthen accountability. In 2021, I signed into law the bipartisan Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act to prevent goods made with forced labor in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China from being imported to the United States. Throughout all of this work, we are listening to and highlighting the voices of survivors – particularly members of racial and ethnic minorities, women and girls, the LGBTQI+ community, migrants, and other disproportionately affected groups – and we will continue to ensure that survivors are treated with dignity and respect,” President Biden said via a press release.

City of West Hollywood Recognizes January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

The City of West Hollywood is participating in a number of initiatives to raise awareness about human trafficking and forced labor.

In commemoration of January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, from Tuesday, January 10, 2023 through Friday, January 20, 2023, West Hollywood City Hall and the globe lanterns above Santa Monica Boulevard will be lit blue, which is the international color of recognition for human trafficking awareness.

The City of West Hollywood offered some important resources for victims of human trafficking:

  • The National Human Trafficking Hotline: The hotline connects both victims and survivors of sex and labor trafficking with services and support to get help and stay safe. Additionally, the NHT hotline receives tips about potential situations of sex and labor trafficking and facilitates reporting that information to the appropriate authorities in certain cases. Toll-free phone and SMS text lines and live online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days. To contact the hotline, call 888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree or 233733. Deaf or hard of hearing or speech-impaired people can contact the hotline by dialing 711.
  • The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) helps people who have been in forced prostitution, forced labor, and slave-like conditions by providing legal and social services. To request services or report tips regarding potential human trafficking cases, contact the toll-free, 24/7 hotline at 888-Key-2-FREE or 888-539-2373.
  • Journey Out provides comprehensive services and support to help victims of commercial sexual exploitation and sex trafficking. For assistance call 818-988-4970 or email [email protected].
  • The Los Angeles County District Attorney, Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program is comprised of specially trained victim services representatives who are strategically assigned throughout the county to assist minor and adult victims of trafficking. For assistance, victims and advocates may call 213-974-2039.

The Department of Homeland Security’s #WearBlueDay Campaign

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recognizes National Human Trafficking Awareness Day through its Blue Campaign (also known as #WearBlueDay).

“Blue Campaign’s largest initiative is #WearBlueDay on January 11th. To raise awareness of human trafficking, we invite the public to take photos of themselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing and share them on social media – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram – along with our #WearBlueDay hashtag. Anyone can participate, all you need is a piece of blue clothing!,” the Department of Homeland Security said.

For more information on the DHS Blue Campaign (@DHSBlueCampaign), please visit the agency’s following social media platforms:

Graphics to repost on your own social media platforms are also available via the DHS Blue Campaign website.

Federal S. 3103 Bill Offers Justice for Survivors of Human Trafficking/Sexual Abuse

In the past, child survivors of human trafficking and sexual abuse have faced hurdles to obtaining justice for past crimes due to various state statutes of limitations. Under the new Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims of 2022 – or S. 3103 – the federal statue of limitations is now removed for:

  • Sexual abuse
  • Human trafficking
  • Forced labor
  • Child pornography

As a result, survivors of such sex crimes and exploitation may now file civil claims seeking to recover financial compensation for damages – regardless of how long ago said crimes occurred.

Pursue Justice by Contacting a Human Trafficking/Sexual Abuse Attorney Today

Dordulian Law Group’s (DLG) sex crimes lawyers are dedicated to fighting tirelessly on behalf of survivors. If you’ve been victimized through human trafficking or any type of childhood sexual abuse, we will fight aggressively to hold the perpetrator(s) accountable, obtain justice on your behalf, and recover the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

Our Sexual Assault Justice Experts are here to help survivors secure justice. Contact our top-rated attorneys online or by phone for a free consultation today.

To speak with a DLG human trafficking/childhood sexual abuse lawyer, contact us today at 866-GO-SEE-SAM. Sam Dordulian founded DLG after serving as a sex crimes prosecutor in the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Dordulian and his SAJE Team (Sexual Abuse Justice Experts) provide essential 24/7 resources for survivors throughout the entire legal process.

Contact us today to discuss your case via a free, confidential, and no obligation consultation with one of our Los Angeles-area sex crimes attorneys.

Author

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Sam Dordulian, founder

Sam Dordulian is an award-winning sexual abuse lawyer with over 25 years’ experience helping survivors secure justice. As a former sex crimes prosecutor and Deputy District Attorney for L.A. County, he secured life sentences against countless sexual predators. Mr. Dordulian currently serves on the National Leadership Council for RAINN.
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A former Deputy District Attorney, Sam Dordulian is a highly-experienced lawyer in Los Angeles, CA, who has assisted in the prosecution of countless criminals. He is now using his experience and passion to advocate for sexual abuse victims and those involved in personal injury disputes.
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