Become a Shepherd Tool Kit

As Catholics we are called to find ways that each of us can work with our dioceses and communities to address the evil of modern day slavery. One way in which you can do this is to...

Learn More

Visit www.usccb.org/stopslavery to learn more about human trafficking.

Pray

On February 8th, we observe the National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking. February 8 is the feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita, who was kidnapped as a child and sold into slavery. Once she was freed, she dedicated her life to sharing her testament of deliverance from slavery and comforting the poor and suffering. On February 8th and throughout the year, set aside time to reflect on the experiences of survivors of human trafficking, pray for their emotional, physical, and spiritual healing, and make a personal commitment to combating this evil.

Use these suggested mass intentions or the prayer card created in St. Josephine Bakhita's name. Please visit USCCB Publishing to order prayer cards.

If you will be observing the February 8 National Day of Prayer for Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking, please tell us about it!

 

Host a workshop and tell others

Catholics can help by educating fellow Catholics and others about the human consequences of this crime. Parishes can serve as a meeting place to discuss this issue and as a center for action to help survivors and those at-risk. It is especially important to inform people in a position to encounter victims and those who may be at risk of being exploited. You can watch a film with a group or lead a discussion session. 

Email MRSShepherd@usccb.org to request the SHEPHERD toolkit guide to help you get started.

Be an ethical consumer and employer

Find out how your actions can contribute to or reduce the demand for human trafficking. Websites like www.ecpatusa.org and www.slaveryfootprint.org can be good places to start.

Report trafficking if you suspect it

Visit www.usccb.org/stopslavery to learn more about how to identify a potential victim and what you can do to help. You can report tips on potential cases of human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888.

Support the work of the USCCB

For more than a decade, USCCB's Anti-Trafficking Program has been a leader in the fight against human trafficking. We've helped more than 3,000 survivors and their family members begin the road to recovery and rebuild their lives. We've trained organizations in the U.S. and abroad on how to help victims. We partner with immigrant communities who are at-risk to help spread the word about human trafficking and learn how to protect their communities. We work with policymakers to draft, improve and evaluate laws on human trafficking. We are committed to advocating for the victims of this crime and seeking an end to modern day slavery.