Nonprofit calling on Trump HHS, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform ‘failed’ National Human Trafficking Hotline
A group of anti-human trafficking advocates known as the “Safe House Project” has called on the Trump administration and Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to reform the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This hotline, established by HHS in 2007, was meant to provide 24/7 assistance to victims of human trafficking. However, according to the Safe House Project, the hotline has lost credibility and is not effectively combatting the issue of human trafficking.
The Safe House Project, which offers victims various services including shelter, believes that the hotline is failing to fulfill its purpose of identifying and supporting victims of trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice. With Kennedy moving closer to confirmation following a committee vote, the nonprofit sees an opportunity for change. They emphasize the importance of restoring the hotline to its intended function and ensuring that it is efficient in saving lives.
Kristi Wells, CEO of Safe House Project, highlighted several shortcomings of the current hotline system. Callers often face long wait times, leading many to hang up before reporting an incident. Additionally, hotline staff sometimes fail to return calls or share information with law enforcement. Wells believes that modern technology, such as cellphone apps and AI, could be leveraged to create a new, more efficient system.
If confirmed, Kennedy has the potential to make a significant impact by improving the effectiveness of the hotline. By utilizing modern technology, Wells believes that the government can make better use of taxpayer funds and achieve more tangible results in combating human trafficking. She emphasizes the importance of holding the current hotline accountable and ensuring that it operates effectively.
Wells stressed the urgency of addressing human trafficking, particularly in light of the current administration’s efforts to tackle the issue. By implementing a new reporting mechanism, she believes that communities can better identify and respond to instances of human trafficking. This, in turn, can provide lawmakers with more effective data to create policies aimed at eradicating trafficking in America.
In conclusion, the Safe House Project is advocating for a revamped National Human Trafficking Hotline that utilizes modern technology to increase efficiency and effectiveness. By prioritizing this issue and implementing a new reporting system, they hope to empower communities to combat human trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.
