Blog

How Unproven Trafficking Stories Spread Online and Why Stopping Them Matters

July 22, 2020
The Wayfair theory, like other viral stories, can potentially result in overwhelming services meant for victims, as well as increasing online harassment and privacy intrusions of people mistakenly believed to be victims. These theories also detract from the knowledge we do have about how sex trafficking actually works, and how we can prevent it.

How the New Supreme Court Rulings Affect Human Trafficking

July 2, 2020
The U.S. Supreme Court decided two cases that together increase protections for the LGBTQ+ community and undocumented immigrant youth. These decisions are positive steps in the work to end sex and labor trafficking, both directly and indirectly.

Isolating Children May Lead to More Trafficking

May 20, 2020
With stay-at-home orders resulting in more children spending time online and at home, there has been an increase in reports of child abuse, which may also make children more vulnerable to trafficking.

Reaching Out for Help as an LGBTQ Person

December 14, 2016

Reaching out for help is sometimes easier said than done. Our new resource shows LGBTQ youth that inclusive, identity-affirming help is available, if they want it.

Staying Safe: New Resource Helps LGBTQ Youth Protect Themselves from Human Trafficking

November 16, 2016

We can’t just depend on law enforcement, service providers, or concerned citizens to intervene in a potential trafficking situation. We have to equip individuals with the tools to recognize and respond to trafficking within their own communities.

A Call to Action on Runaway Youth in Your Community

October 25, 2016

As the streets chill this November, we at Polaris recognize National Runaway Prevention Month. According to the National Runaway Safeline, between 1.6 and 2.8 million youth run away from home each year.

This Pride Month, Let’s Come Together to Protect LGBTQ Trafficked Youth

June 17, 2016

As the tragic shooting in Orlando last weekend clearly shows, LGBTQ youth remain one of our nation’s most vulnerable populations.

Empowering Women to Change their Lives

June 7, 2016

According to a report, more than 12,000 people throughout the Washington D.C. region are currently homeless. Our homeless population need services, not stigma.

Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act: One Year Later

May 25, 2016

This Sunday, May 29, marks the one-year anniversary of the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) becoming law. This legislation made some important steps forward in the fight to end modern slavery and restore freedom to survivors.

Need help? Polaris operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline.