Human Trafficking Prevention Month
The Texas Health and Human Services Commission is highlighting services and programs dedicated to the fight against human trafficking.
Gov. Greg Abbott proclaimed January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas. This is how the proclamation was worded by Abbott.
“Americans are endowed with inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. One of the greatest threats to these rights to freedom is human trafficking. This modern form of slavery, marked by sexual exploitation or forced labor, sadly impacts 25 million people each year.
Humantrafficking undermines our rule of law, robbing millions of their freedom and threatening public security. It is our collective duty to take action to prevent and end human trafficking once and for all. We must understand warning signs through education, recognize the urgent need for action, and support ongoing rescue efforts. Law enforcement and private organizations work in conjunction with statewide entities to carry out prevention initiatives, protect vulnerable populations and victims, and bring traffickers to justice.
While there has been meaningful progress through these endeavors, the scope of human trafficking is vast, and we continue to witness traffickers exploit people in the United States and around the world, indicating more work remains. Each year, the month of January is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and honoring the organizations, government agencies, and law enforcement officials who are working to end it.
At this time, I encourage all Texans to educate themselves about how to identify and prevent human trafficking and to take action to eradicate this heinous crime.
Therefore, I, Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas, do hereby proclaim January 2026 to be Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas and urge all Texans to observe the occasion with appropriate ceremonies and activities. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto affixed my signature this the 4th day of December, 2025.”
Human trafficking is a crime that involves sexual exploitation or forced labor. It can happen to anyone, regardless of age, sex or background.
“Human trafficking undermines our rule of law, robbing millions of their freedom and threatening public security,” Gov. Abbott stated in the proclamation. “It is our collective duty to take action to prevent and end human trafficking once and for all.”
Health care providers are encouraged to learn and be aware of the warning signs of possible human trafficking.
“Since most health care providers encounter people who are being trafficked, it is particularly important they know the warning signs,” said Joy Borjes, associate commissioner of HHSC Family and Youth Services and Supports. “HHSC’s free training to health care providers across the state helps them respond compassionately and appropriately.”
The HHSC Human Trafficking Resource Center promotes, assists and funds efforts that stop human trafficking. The resource center provides information and training for health care providers to identify human trafficking and connect those who have experienced human trafficking to needed resources.
HEART, or “Hearing, Evaluating, Activating, Resourcing and Training,” is a free resource provided by HHSC. The training teaches health care providers how to identify and respond appropriately to human trafficking survivors. More than 109,000 health care providers completed HEART from September 2024 to August 2025.
HHSC also participates in the Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force, a collaborative of more than 50 organizations that educates the public, identifies victims of human trafficking and ensures traffickers are investigated and prosecuted. The task force also develops legislative recommendations to enhance the state’s anti-trafficking efforts.
Texas drivers can help fight human trafficking by purchasing a “Stop Human Trafficking” specialty license plate. The license plate reminds Texans to report suspicious activity through the iWatchTexas reporting system. Proceeds from sales fund research, treatment services, shelter and support for youth survivors through the Stop Human Trafficking donation account.
In addition to iWatchTexas, people who believe they have witnessed human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 (TTY: 711), send a text to 233733, or go to the Hotline Web Chat. Call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger.