The United Family has launched a campaign to put information stickers in bathrooms to help human trafficking victims. The stickers contain a telephone number victims can call or text to ask for help.
“One of the few places that a human trafficking victim might be alone is in the bathroom, and so really, it’s a perfect opportunity to place a little lifeline in there for them,” Joey Marcades, a communications manager with United Family, told KOB. “And if they see that, you know, hopefully, they can call or text.”
The top of the sticker is red and reads, “Are you safe? Need reform?” Below those questions is the number for the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) where victims can call for help. They can also text “HELP” to 233733.
Marcades said the stickers are being placed in about 140 Albertsons grocery stores and gas stations throughout New Mexico and Texas.
Christine Barber, the executive director and co-founder of Street Safe New Mexico, a nonprofit that helps human trafficking victims, the effort by United Family could have a profound impact.
“They’re reaching two different groups with this,” she told KOB. “They’re reaching the target group, which is the trafficking victim, the victim that finally has a moment alone, whether using the restroom, and they might see this. And the second group that they’re reaching is the public. When we do our presentations, the public says ‘I didn’t know this was happening here in New Mexico.’”
Barber said human trafficking is a big issue in New Mexico.
“I wish we could say it’s this number,” Barber said. “It’s really nebulous. It’s such a hidden world because no one really thinks what they’re doing is that bad.”
To learn more about human trafficking, and Street Safe’s mission, visit the organization’s website.
