2022 National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

During January 2022, the U.S. Attorney’s Office commemorated the 11th annual National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.  Our office’s Outreach team worked closely with Assistant United States Attorney and Human Trafficking Coordinator Lisa Thelwell to coordinate and participate in virtual events throughout the month of January.

AUSA Thelwell virtually presented “Combatting Human Trafficking on the Front Line:  How Nurses Play a Critical Role” during Advent Health’s 4^th Annual Human Trafficking symposium.  At least 240 healthcare professionals attended the event which highlighted the fact that healthcare professionals are the 3^rd top point of contact (after friends/family and law enforcement) for Human Trafficking victims seeking assistance. AUSA Thelwell’s presentation also explored the importance of documenting and preserving evidence by healthcare professionals, as well as the ability to identify signs and respond effectively to potential trafficking situations. 

Alongside members of the Tampa Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, AUSA Thewll helped convene a virtual roundtable to discuss the Task Force’s collaborative approach to combatting human trafficking.  The group spoke about the challenges and successes during the pandemic and large-scale events, as well as the role that technology has played in targeting, recruiting, and trafficking victims.  Participating agencies included the St. Petersburg Police Department, the Tampa Police Department, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Tampa Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Selah Freedom.  The event was hosted by the FBI Tampa Citizens Academy Alumni Association.  

AUSA Thelwell also coordinated and facilitated “The Good Fight: A Strategic Approach to Supporting Juvenile Survivors of Human Trafficking.”  This panel discussion, hosted by the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Black Prosecutor’s Association, highlighted the ways criminal justice stakeholders work collaboratively with child advocates and victim service providers to develop cross-system solutions to support survivors of human trafficking. The event was livestreamed to Facebook. 

United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg further showed the office’s support by wearing blue on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day which is recognized each year on January 11th.  He also reaffirmed the U.S. Attorney’s Office's commitment to combatting the heinous crime of human trafficking, holding perpetrators accountable, and seeking justice for survivors.

To report a tip or ask for help, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If you believe you have information about a potential trafficking situation call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/. In the Tampa Bay area  you can also text “HTTF” to 847411 to send an anonymous tip.