By Corporal Colendula Green
January is recognized as Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to educate, advocate, and stand with survivors. Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, making community awareness critical to identifying and protecting victims.
What Human Trafficking Can Look Like
• Trafficking does not always look like a kidnapping; it often involves manipulation, coercion, and exploitation by someone the victim knows or trusts.
• Awareness, education, and timely reporting can help save lives and connect victims to services.
• Community members are urged to look beyond stereotypes, as victims may not self-identify and may appear calm, hostile, or coached when encountered.
How to Report Suspected Trafficking in Mississippi
If you suspect human trafficking in Mississippi, contact local law enforcement or report it to the Mississippi Bureau of Investigation Statewide Human Trafficking Coordinator. Tips can be directed to:
• Email: reportht@dps.ms.gov
• Phone: 601-987-1671 or 601-359-4113
Additional Support and Resources
Survivors of trafficking and related violence may also be connected to services through statewide victim assistance and violence prevention programs. For more information:
• Office Against Interpersonal Violence: 769-567-2915 (Mississippi-based interpersonal violence resource line)
