From Kalisha’s Desk—January Edition
As a safe space for local youth experiencing crisis, Youth Emergency Services (YES) recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January. Through collective education, advocacy, and support, we can put an end to human trafficking and abuse.
Your support this January and beyond helps YES to continue our mission providing housing and support to youth experiencing instability, crisis, and homelessness. More than an organization for housing support and stability, YES is here to unite our community against human trafficking. We are a resource for educating the community on human trafficking and helping to identify and support survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and abuse in the Omaha metro area. On behalf of YES, I ask you to show your support for the young survivors in our community.
What You Can Do
Wear Blue
Promoting awareness can be as easy as putting on a pair of jeans. Join YES’ advocacy efforts for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day and wear blue on Saturday, January 11. Remember to post photos of your blue on social media along with hashtags like #EndHumanTrafficking and #WearBlueDay and share YES’ survivor resources with your followers. By wearing blue, you bring visibility to this vicious crime and a voice to the nearly 1,000 trafficking survivors of Omaha.
See the Signs
Showing support doesn’t stop at what you wear. Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying those who endure abuse and can help save a life. Here are some common indicators:
Disconnected from friends, family, school/community/spiritual organizations
Lack of school attendance
Sudden or drastic behavior or personality changes
Increased/developmentally inappropriate sexualized behaviors
Signs of abuse: unexplained injuries, disoriented, fearful, weight loss
Loss of independence or autonomy
Poor or unstable living conditions
Lack or personal possessions
Please note: Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.
Make the Call
Once you identify signs of abuse, don’t hesitate to take action. If you see something, say something. If you are experiencing abuse or if you believe someone you know needs help, call 911 or the National Trafficking Hotline.
If the individual is 18 years or younger, call Child Protective Services at 800.652.1999.
To connect a potential survivor with services and support, please call 402.578.SAFE (402.578.7233).
To learn more about services available to survivors, contact YES for Survivor Support Services at 402.345.5187.
Now is the time for collective awareness and action. With your help, YES can empower young lives and create a brighter future. Let’s come together to end human trafficking and abuse among Omaha’s homeless and near-homeless youth.