Preventing Human Trafficking
You can join the fight against human trafficking by learning to recognize the signs of someone who is being trafficked, advocating for the safety and rights of trafficking survivors, and supporting us in our work to provide safety and healing to all youth who come to our doors.
Watch for Signs a Youth Is Being Trafficked
Putting a stop to human trafficking begins with learning the warning signs a young person may be in the grip of traffickers. Youth who exhibit some combination of the signs below may already be entrenched in trafficking. Notice if they:
- Appear unusually fearful, anxious, or irritable.
- Have sexualized content on their social media profiles.
- Show signs of physical or sexual abuse.
- Possess a second cell phone.
- Exhibit poor health and hygiene.
- Are unable or not allowed to speak for themselves.
- Show signs of exhaustion and/or addiction.
- Have few or no personal possessions.
If someone you know exhibits some (not necessarily all) of these signs, get help now
How You Can Help
Here are 4 things you can do right now to make a difference for trafficked youth and survivors.
Advocate for Trafficked Youth
We are working with Congress to pass and reauthorize laws providing care and support for trafficking survivors and funding to support increased law enforcement and research of prevention methods. Add your name to our petition to make anti-human trafficking legislation a priority for 2024 and beyond.
Donate to Provide Survivors with Care
A gift today, helps trafficking survivors access essentials like safe shelter, healthy meals, clothing and medical care. It also helps ensure we can continue to fight human trafficking and support survivors and all youth facing homelessness with best-in-class services and support.
Learn the Facts
Understanding human trafficking is of course just the beginning, but educating yourself and spreading that knowledge is a great place to start. Learn to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking, who is most at-risk, and the impacts on young people and communities.
Stay informed - Sign Up for Alerts
Sign up to join our mobile list and be the first to hear about key updates and actions you can take to help keep unhoused youth and trafficking survivors safe.
How Covenant House Helps
With over 50 years supporting young people experiencing homelessness, Covenant House is a leader in meeting youth at the intersection of homelessness and human trafficking as we advance our bold vision to end youth homelessness as we know it. With support from our donors and community, we help survivors reclaim and rebuild their lives, and we work to make societies safer for youth by providing:
Direct Support
We meet trafficking survivors’ immediate needs for food, clothing, shelter, safety, and medical care. We recognize their unique needs for extra levels of protection, including safe spaces and rigorous mental health care.
Advocacy
We partner with organizations at local and federal levels in the five countries where we work to advocate for policy change and to amplify the need for justice, funding, and services for survivors.
Research
Our research exposes the toll of human trafficking on children and youth, informs our advocacy efforts to protect all young people, and helps us update and improve our practices of care.
Help Youth Escape the Threat of Human Trafficking
Your support will ensure that young survivors at Covenant House will receive the care they need to heal, grow, and reach their potential.
Get Help Now
If you or a young person you know needs help, here’s what to do.
- Call 911 if you are in immediate danger.
- Call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 if you are in emotional distress.
Call or come into the nearest Covenant House, where you will find safety, services, and support at no cost. Covenant House has locations in 34 cities across five countries. We are here to help, not to judge.
