HHSC Highlights World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is observed on July 30 each year to raise awareness about human trafficking.

The HHSC Texas Human Trafficking Resource Center connects health care providers to resources needed to recognize and respond to potential trafficking situations. The center also approves trainings for health care providers, first responders, and tattoo and body piercing artists, and connects external stakeholders with agency programs.

"Health care providers, first responders, and tattoo and body piercing artists work on the front lines to help identify and assist victims of labor and sex trafficking," said Megan Bermea, director of the HHSC Office of Family Services. "The recent addition of emergency medical technicians, fire protection personnel, and tattoo and body piercing artists to our training program will ensure more survivors are identified and connected to supports."

The center recently upgraded its Human Trafficking Prevention Course List to be more user-friendly. Courses can be searched by title or organization, or filtered by profession, credit type, course delivery and cost.

HHSC administers funding for two statewide organizations that help victims of child sex trafficking: Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) and Children's Advocacy Centers of Texas (CACTX). CASA and CACTX provide resources, training and coordination of services for children in their care who are at risk of or have experienced trafficking and exploitation.

The Texas Human Trafficking Resource Center and Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) developed the "Stop Human Trafficking" specialty license plate as a reminder to report human trafficking online at iwatchtx.org.

The specialty license plate is available for purchase from the DMV. Proceeds from the Stop Human Trafficking donation account pay for treatment services, shelter and support for youth survivors of human trafficking.