Governor Hochul Declares January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month: A Call to Action for Support and Survivorship

January 10, 2025

January 11 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Governor Kathy Hochul today released a proclamation declaring January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in New York State, emphasizing the continuous efforts to enhance awareness surrounding human trafficking. Throughout this month—and particularly on January 11, which is acknowledged annually as Human Trafficking Awareness Day—members of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, from various state agencies, will disseminate information on social media to bolster awareness regarding human trafficking and the essential services available to aid survivors. Human trafficking denotes the utilization of force, fraud, or coercion to compel an individual into labor or commercial sex.

“Our agency takes pride in co-chairing the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking and in collaborating with numerous non-profit providers across the state to offer client-focused services for survivors of human trafficking, enabling them to heal and embark on a new chapter in their lives,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn stated. “We are grateful that Governor Hochul acknowledges the necessity of continuing to prioritize the support for survivors, ensuring they have access to legal and social services resources while proactively working to prevent trafficking.”

“Last year, New York State documented an unprecedented number of trafficked individuals,” Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner Rossana Rosado remarked. “DCJS is devoted to preventing and addressing human trafficking, from co-chairing the state’s Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking to training law enforcement and prosecutors in recognizing indicators of trafficking and assisting with the state’s process of identifying and verifying survivors so they can obtain the necessary support. We appreciate Governor Hochul, OTDA, law enforcement, and service providers for their collaboration in our mission to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking.”

The 11 state agencies participating in the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, co-chaired by OTDA and DCJS, play a vital role in the fight against trafficking and in the identification and support of survivors of human trafficking.

The agencies engaged in the task force utilize data-informed methodologies to pinpoint individuals at heightened risk of being trafficked and execute targeted preventive strategies. This initiative includes the creation of an outreach poster—which offers examples of trafficking and is available in 12 languages—to assist individuals in recognizing methods that have been used to coercively obtain labor and to inform them of service providers who can extend assistance. A Youth Working group, co-chaired by the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) and DCJS, has also been formed to focus on the recruitment and trafficking of minors. The task force regularly provides training to organizations statewide to enhance awareness of human trafficking and to ensure that services are centered on clients and informed by trauma.

OTDA and DCJS are crucial in facilitating access to services for trafficked individuals. DCJS receives referrals from law enforcement agencies and established social and/or legal services providers and, in consultation with OTDA, verifies individuals as having been trafficked. This verification process connects individuals to essential services and support.

In 2024, 404 individuals were confirmed; 192 for sex trafficking, 166 for labor trafficking, and 46 for both sex and labor trafficking.

Aside from working with state partners, OTDA and DCJS also provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement and other stakeholders concerning human trafficking.

OTDA additionally administers the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RTHP), which allocates nearly $2.4 million annually to community-based providers for culturally sensitive, trauma-informed services for trafficked persons, encompassing: emergency necessities, such as food or clothing; shelter/rental assistance; medical and mental health services; and legal support. RHTP concentrates on individuals who would otherwise lack access to essential services, including those ineligible for public benefits.

The New York State Office of Victim Services finances and supports over 200 victim assistance programs statewide, providing vital services such as crisis counseling, support groups, case management, emergency shelter, civil legal aid, and relocation assistance, along with other support, to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes, as well as their families. Additional details can be found at www.ovs.ny.gov/connect.

New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Owens stated, “We understand that human trafficking can manifest in various forms, including as a type of intimate partner violence. We recognize that technology is facilitating the ability of traffickers to exert power and control over their victims. Furthermore, we acknowledge that victims and survivors of human trafficking face an increased risk of experiencing other types of gender-based violence throughout their lives. OPDV is dedicated to combating human trafficking in partnership with all agencies on the state’s Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, ensuring that victims and survivors have access to the necessary supports and resources they need to achieve safety and healing. Thank you, Governor Hochul, for raising awareness and considering the safety of all New Yorkers a top priority.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon remarked, “Not only do we uphold all workers’ rights as mandated by law; our collaborations with agency partners guarantee that New Yorkers facing labor trafficking receive the critical support and services they need. We commend Governor Hochul and our fellow taskforce members for their diligent work on this significant issue and for their commitment to preventing all forms of human trafficking.”

New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden stated, “OCFS proudly stands alongside the Governor and other members of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking in condemning human trafficking and its intrinsic violations of human rights. We must consistently communicate—beyond just Human Trafficking Awareness Month—that resources exist to prevent and intervene. Nearly two-thirds of all referrals to OCFS’s Safe Harbour: NY program involve children younger than 16; therefore, it is in our vested interest to continue the commendable work of the task force and to address the interconnected areas of vulnerability and support for children, youth, and adults at risk or who have escaped the clutches of human exploitation.”

Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson stated, “We commend OTDA and DCJS for their efforts in preventing and addressing human trafficking, including encouraging victims and survivors to provide input and feedback to guarantee that programs and outreach are effective and that law enforcement is trained to recognize and respond to indicators of trafficking. OVS takes pride in collaborating with our sister agencies and offering support to victim assistance providers and compensation to victims, ensuring that trafficking victims have access to the necessary resources for safety and healing, including medical care, counseling, and legal representation.”