January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month.

No country is immune from human trafficking, including the United States. It’s a crime that impacts people of every age. Globally, 10 million children are subjected to modern slavery, which includes child trafficking, forced labor, and child marriage.

Here are eight additional ways for you to take action against trafficking:

1. Learn the facts.

Anyone can be trafficked, regardless of class, education, gender, or age when coerced or lured by false promises. No country or town is except from this issue. It can happen anywhere, even your town.

2. Think carefully about your purchases.

The clothes we wear and the food we eat are often made with exploitative labor practices. Find out if the products you purchase were made with exploitative labor practices at slaveryfootprint.org.

3. Demand ethically-sourced products.

Child trafficking and forced labor generate $39 billion dollars in revenue annually. Shift the demand from cheap products to ethically sourced products by buying fair trade. Learn more.

4. Support survivors.

Survivors of child trafficking—especially women and girls—are often stigmatized, which perpetuates their susceptibility to trafficking. It starts with the way we talk about this issue – for example, a “prostitute” is often a victim of sexual exploitation and a “pimp” is not a cool guy, but rather someone who abuses and exploits people. Find out more at www.againstourwill.org/how-to-talk-about-it.

5. Be a socially-aware tourist.

There is an incredible amount of child trafficking—both sex and labor—in the tourist industry. Learn how to take simple actions to minimize harm to children at www.childsafetourism.org.

6. Make systemic changes on your campus or in your community.

Lead a Fair Trade Campaign on your campus or in your hometown by petitioning your local government. Your voice is powerful—use it to make a difference!

7. Engage men on this issue.

Human trafficking is a gendered issue—approximately 70% of those subjected to modern slavery around the world are women and girls. If we are going to win the battle against child trafficking, we need men to change harmful social norms and engage in conversations about the commodification of women in their social circles. Find out more at www.acalltomen.org.

8. Post the National Human Trafficking Hotline in public spaces.

The hotline handles calls from anyone, including witnesses, potential victims, service providers, community members, and anyone hoping to learn more about this issue.

Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

Again, a portion of all proceeds purchases from my Destiny in the Shadows Series goes toward AIM Agape International Ministries (https://aimfree.org/) to fight human trafficking. Together we can end slavery.

• Maggie Lynn Heron-Heidel