Anti-Trafficking Groups Alert Funding Suspension May Promote Human Trafficking
An alliance of over seventy advocacy, legal, and faith-based entities across the US has raised alarms regarding the freezing of $88m in public money earmarked for survivors of human trafficking.
Support Systems Under Threat
Per a collective communication, the Justice Department has halted monetary aid for over a hundred support groups that aid survivors leave abusive situations and secure necessary resources such as housing, counseling, and case management.
"Permitting these funds to be cut would facilitate modern slavery and put survivors’ lives at risk," the communication emphasizes. "Various communities will lose their only service provider, abandoning individuals with insecure living conditions."
Call to Action
The alliance is urging lawmakers to encourage the administration to release the allocated money to support thousands of affected individuals nationwide.
This appeal follows investigations that the administration has scaled down programs to fight human trafficking, although spokespersons dispute any pullback on human rights actions.
Impact on Communities
- Many service organizations saw their funding end starting the final day of the previous month.
- Without this funding, victims may go without to lifesaving services including emergency housing, therapy, and advocacy.
- Criminals could exploit freely, endangering public safety.
Official Statement
When asked about questions over the frozen funds, the department clarified that funds allocated by lawmakers would be distributed in due course, but added that previous grantees may not obtain money in the next cycle.
Upcoming allocations will be made based on the leadership's goals, the office commented.
Historical Support
The letter additionally points out that Congress has overwhelmingly voted to fund such initiatives over the past 25 years, underscoring the critical importance of adequately resourcing lifesaving programs to protect survivors and stop further abuse.
