What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar industry that thrives on exploitation. Traffickers often use force, threats, or manipulation to control victims, forcing them into labor or commercial sex. Shockingly, the average age of a trafficked victim is just 13 years old and tragically, many victims never escape their situation. However, organizations like the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition are making a difference by playing a crucial role in helping individuals break free. By providing vital resources and support, they help victims rebuild their lives and start anew.
What is the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition (IATC)?
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition (IATC), based in Boise, Idaho, was founded to raise awareness, provide education, offer services, and ensure safe housing for victims of human trafficking. They are dedicated to building strong community partnerships that bring vital knowledge and support to trafficked victims. IATC believes connecting victims with the right resources is the fastest way to help them find safety and escape dangerous situations.
Jennifer Zielinski, Executive Director of IATC, shared, “In 2022, the Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition (IATC) saw a significant rise in crisis hotline calls, crisis interventions, victim assistance, case management, partner referrals, and educational training.” This surge in calls and interventions led IATC to secure additional funding, allowing them to expand partnerships and reach more victims, providing better access to a reliable care system.
IATC also believes that educating the public about human trafficking is key to raising awareness and ending this horrific crime. To support this, they’ve developed Human Trafficking 101 presentations, which they offer at various community organizations, including schools, mental health agencies, and community centers.
Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition‘s Mission
IATC is hopeful that, one day, through their anti-trafficking efforts, children, youth, and adults in Idaho will have access to a victim-centered system of care that contributes to their education, health, and safety. As they look forward to a year of expansion and growth, IATC is striving to secure sustainable funding and statewide partnerships to ensure that victims and survivors of human sex trafficking have access to victim-centered approaches in all systems.
Exciting News for Idaho: IATC Joins the Safe House Project!
The Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition (IATC) is excited to join the Safe House Project family. This collaboration strengthens Idaho’s efforts to support survivors by bringing additional resources and services to the Pacific Northwest. Moreover, IATC remains committed to serving Idaho with the same dedication and local focus, despite the expansion.
As a result of their continued hard work, IATC has already made a substantial impact in 2024:
- They have provided support to over 239 survivors.
- Additionally, they have handled more than 7,000 calls statewide.
- Moreover, they have trained hundreds of individuals in trafficking identification and response.
The IATC team is excited to be part of this expanding network and looks forward to the positive changes it will bring!
Stay informed about how this partnership strengthens Idaho’s fight against human trafficking. Follow along to learn how you can get involved and make a difference!
Website: safehouseproject.org/donate
Instagram: @safehouseproject
Facebook: @SafeHousePrjct
LinkedIn: Safe House Project on LinkedIn
YouTube: Safe House Project on YouTube
Stay up to date on how this collaboration is making an impact. Follow us now and learn how you can help make a difference!
Get Involved and Support the Cause to End Human Trafficking
One of the simplest and most effective ways to fight human trafficking is to speak up when something feels wrong. It’s easy to ignore uncomfortable situations, but by calling the police or speaking out, you could save a life.
If you want to get more involved, many anti-human trafficking organizations across the United States need volunteers. Not sure where to start? Contact your local police station or the Salvation Army—they can point you in the right direction.
You can donate and support Idaho Anti-Trafficking Coalition here: https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/idaho-anti-trafficking-coalition
Check for more updates on their Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idahoatc