WASHINGTON – Although most people think slavery is something that happened in the past, human traffickers trap millions of people in horrific situations across the globe, making billions of dollars off their labor. Human trafficking even happens in every part of the United States.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month and today, Jan. 11, is Human Trafficking Day. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has developed The Blue Campaign to work with organizations and businesses, such as gas stations, truck stops and convenience retailers, to raise awareness of human trafficking.

NACS recently began working with the Blue Campaign to provide retailers with the information, resources and materials to identify situations of human trafficking victims visiting stores. The campaign wants retailers to:

• Become aware of the issue (trafficking)
• Learn the signs and how to help by providing resources to victims
• Visit dhs.gov to download materials, resources, signs, etc.

Convenience stores are a valuable part of their community and can play a role in combating human trafficking. Recognizing the signs of human trafficking is the first step to identifying a victim. The Blue Campaign resources page has materials for a more in-depth education and a catalog of materials that can be distributed and displayed in your community.