Human Trafficking Awareness Month: What It Looks Like Today — and How It Often Starts Online

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on a reality that too often goes unseen — especially in small, close-knit communities like ours.

Human trafficking doesn’t always look like dramatic stories on the news. More often, it begins quietly. It starts with a message. A compliment. An offer of help. A relationship that feels safe — until it isn’t.

“I didn’t think anything bad was happening. He was nice to me. He listened. He brought me small gifts and told me he loved me. I didn’t realize I was being groomed — I thought I was being chosen.”

— Youth served through REACH / Child Advocacy Center services

Across Columbia and Greene counties, more than 100 children and young people each year are identified as being at risk for human trafficking or sexual exploitation. Since 2018, MHA of Columbia Greene’s REACH and Child Advocacy Centers have partnered with Safe Harbour: NY, the Department of Social Services, schools, and law enforcement to respond to these cases — many of which involve online exploitation.

The Online Reality: Grooming Happens Before Trafficking

Today, a significant number of trafficking cases begin online. Nationally, more than 60% of child sex trafficking survivors report being first contacted through social media, gaming platforms, or messaging apps, and 1 in 4 youth report receiving unwanted sexual messages while gaming or chatting online

Predators rarely start with threats or force. Instead, they build trust.

According to MHACG's REACH & CAC staff, grooming often includes:

• Excessive attention or “love-bombing”

• Gifts, money, rides, or offers of help

• Encouraging secrecy from parents or trusted adults

• Gradually asking for photos, favors, or “proof of loyalty”

• Using shame, fear, or images to regain control

“We’re seeing younger and younger children approached online by people using fake names and identities. They’re skilled at finding vulnerabilities — family stress, loneliness, instability — and exploiting normal needs for connection and belonging.”

— Julianne Baumann, LCSW

MHACG Chief of Clinical Services

For many young people, exploitation escalates quickly — from online coercion to in-person harm — often before they understand what’s happening.

Risk Factors — and Why Anyone Can Be Affected

While trafficking can happen to anyone, certain factors increase vulnerability, including:

• Housing instability or homelessness

• Family disruption or involvement with child welfare systems

• Mental health challenges or substance use

• Recent relocation or lack of consistent adult support

• Prior trauma or abuse

Importantly, many victims don’t see themselves as victims. They may feel responsible, ashamed, or afraid they won’t be believed — which is why awareness and early intervention matter.

Busting Common Myths

One of the most dangerous myths about human trafficking is that it always involves kidnapping or crossing borders. In reality:

• Trafficking does not require movement

• Victims are often exploited by someone they know

• Control is more often emotional and psychological than physical

• Youth may appear “consenting” when they are legally unable to do so

Under U.S. law, any minor engaged in a commercial sex act is considered a victim of human trafficking, regardless of force or coercion.

Shining a Light: The Blue Light Project

This January, MHA of Columbia Greene is participating in the Blue Light Project, a local effort aligned with the national Blue Campaign. Throughout the month, community members are encouraged to display blue lights in windows or on porches as a visible sign of awareness and solidarity with survivors.

Blue lights send a simple but powerful message:

“We see you. We care. And we’re paying attention.” 

How You Can Help

Everyone has a role in preventing human trafficking:

• Talk to young people about online safety and boundaries

• Take concerns seriously — even if they seem “small”

• Learn the warning signs of grooming and exploitation

• Display a blue light during January to raise awareness

If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking:

• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

• In an emergency, call 911

• Reach MHACG’s REACH Center 24-Hour Helpline at 518-943-4482

Victims are eligible for services regardless of citizenship or circumstances.

Support, Training, and Hope

The REACH Center and Child Advocacy Center provide trauma-informed services, advocacy, and prevention education across Columbia and Greene counties. Staff work closely with schools, law enforcement, probation, and community partners to ensure young people receive support — not blame — when they come forward.

“Education is one of our strongest prevention tools. When youth understand grooming tactics and know how to respond, they are safer. And when adults know how to listen and believe, lives change.”

— Julianne Baumann, LCSW

MHACG Chief of Clinical Services

Human trafficking thrives in silence. Awareness creates safety. Learn more about grooming and ways to keep yourself and children safe online on our website:

• Online Safety Tips

• Warning Signs & Risk

• About Grooming & the Signs

For more information, training opportunities, or to participate in the Blue Light Project, contact MHA of Columbia Greene’s REACH & Child Advocacy Centers at 518-943-4482 or 518-697-3320, or visit mhacg.org/trafficking.