National Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2023

Today is a big day. It is a day where our nation focuses on raising awareness about one of the greatest injustices of our time. At MISSIO, we believe that education can empower people and inspire change, and that is one of the reasons that we remain committed to raising awareness year round, training salons, stylists and community members on the warning signs and red flags, as well as how to help victims. We have seen this educational training open eyes and save lives. Thank YOU for supporting this initiative through your product purchases!

In addition to learning the facts about human trafficking, people are often impacted tremendously by hearing real stories of survivors. Read below to learn a few global statistics and also to hear a real life story. Whatever the case, we hope that you are inspired to take action in your very own city. Remember that simply learning more and keeping your eyes open in your own community can make a tremendous impact. Put the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline phone number into your phone and have it ready to report anything you see or hear that may be concerning. This number can also be passed on to anyone that you thing might be in a compromised situation; it is a way for they to reach out for help themselves. NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCE CENTER HOTLINE PHONE NUMBER: 1-888-373-7888

 Facts: 

• Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against his/her will. 
• It is estimated that there are up to 40 million people are enslaved globally. 
• It is a crime that generates an estimated $32 million dollars here in the United States. 
• In the US, sex trafficking exists and continues to grow because it can generate high profits and a perceived low risk for the traffickers. 
• Some common WARNING SIGNS of victims are: avoiding eye contact, depressed mood, always has a third party present, suspicious tattoos/branding,  unexplained/conflicting injury stories, lack of control of own money, drug use, controlling relationship, unsure of location, someone who seems under the control of another person.

A Real Story- Words from a survivor:

“A lot of times people feel like with sex trafficking you can look at someone and tell, or it’s people on the street… That is definitely happening, but it can be as easy as looking next door. My traffickers were school teachers; he was a coach. They looked like a normal middle class family… someone you would never guess what was going on behind closed doors, but that is how they got away with what they did. Raising awareness of the reality that it is going on will help people like me get free. In my situation things were horribly off, but no one asked any questions because they thought from what they saw that things were normal... Something within me, in all of the terrible things I experienced, was like "There has to be more than this." Finally, a couple reached out to me because they saw some things that started to concern them. They were the first people that genuinely loved me. It took years, but I finally saw that there could be another life for me. That I could get free! It takes everyone in every type of position for us to come together and end this. Whatever you do, don’t do nothing. Do something. I’m so thankful that they pursued me and didn’t give up on me.”

Although these facts and stories are hard to hear, the truth is that WE can be a part of the solution and a voice for the voiceless. We can help put an end to this injustice by learning the warning signs, raising awareness, and if concerned about someone, being bold enough to step in and help! It is as simple as sharing a hotline phone number with them (above).

We at MISSIO are on a mission to use beauty to help restore HOPE and fight human trafficking. Every purchase supports initiatives to do so. We educate salons and communities on how to identify potential victims. We serve women who are at-risk and in recovery and we give to non-profit partners aiding in the rescue and rehabilitation of victims worldwide. Check out our instagram page learn more about this issue and action steps on how you can help right in your own city. And remember, it can be as simple as swapping out your current shampoo for a #productwithpurpose. We have also posted an educational resource for you below so that you can read, share and pass on.

Thanks for making a difference with us!

- The Team at MISSIO Hair