Through a Presidential Proclamation, January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Below is an excerpt from the proclamation signed by President Barack Obama:

"...thousands of individuals living in the United States and still more abroad suffer in silence under the intolerable yoke of modern slavery. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we stand with all those who are held in compelled service; we recognize the people, organizations, and government entities that are working to combat human trafficking; and we recommit to bringing an end to this inexcusable human rights abuse...trafficking networks operate both domestically and transnationally, and although abuses disproportionally affect women and girls, the victims of this ongoing global tragedy are men, women, and children of all ages...this month, I urge all Americans to educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking. Together, and in cooperation with our partners around the world, we can work to end this terrible injustice and protect the rights to life and liberty entrusted to us by our forebears and owed to our children."

While the problems of human trafficking and slavery are being recognized by many organizations all month, January 11th has been declared National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Across the country today, anti-trafficking organizations are hosting candlelight vigils, community forums, documentary viewings, art showings and many other events to raise awareness of the plight of those that are victims of modern day slavery in our own nation.

Click here for access to some great resources on human trafficking. Please take a moment this month to research this important issue and to educate others about its prevalence in the United States.