Over the last three years, the New Hampshire Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force (hereby referred to as the Task Force) has benefited from a $1.3 million 3 year grant, received in October of 2016 (concluded September 30, 2019). These funds truly propelled forward the state’s response to the crime of human trafficking and enabled several important steps to be taken such as paid social workers and law enforcement focused exclusively on responding to this issue; training for professionals, law enforcement and community members across the state; and data collection to understand what is going on in New Hampshire.
However the most important thing that has happened over this period is that we have found a caring and receptive community across New Hampshire:
People who are upset that this happening, and concerned that there are potential victims in their community who do not know or have not been allowed to meet kind and safe people.
Law enforcement who are reaching out to victims of trafficking with empathy and understanding.
Recovery support workers, family support workers, health care professionals and so many others filling our communities with resources and hope.
And survivors of this crime who are not willing to live in the shadows any longer, who are strong, resilient and capable. Survivors who are taking their place in our communities as voices against this crime and as active participants in building safer, stronger communities in New Hampshire.
We have learned so much more than money could buy. Lessons that will long outlast the financial resources of this grant. For this we are incredibly grateful.
If you are one of these individuals and are ready to join us in combating human trafficking, please reach out. There are so many ways for us to respond to the issues and needs that make individuals and communities vulnerable to trafficking as well as to those in our communities who have already been trafficked. We look forward to seeing how you choose to join the response.
-Becky Ayling, Project Director, NH Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force