Anti-Trafficking Organizations Alert Funding Suspension Could Facilitate Modern Slavery
A consortium of 74 advocacy, legal, and faith-based organizations across the nation has sounded warnings regarding the withholding of $88 million in public money allocated for victims of modern slavery.
Services Under Threat
Per a joint letter, the DOJ has halted financial support for over a hundred support groups that help victims break free from exploiters and access necessary resources including safe accommodation, mental health support, and guidance.
"Allowing these funds to disappear would enable human trafficking and put survivors’ lives at risk," the document warns. "Numerous areas will be without their only service provider, stranding victims with no safe emergency housing."
Call to Action
The coalition is urging Congress to encourage the federal government to reinstate the financial support to protect countless trafficking survivors nationwide.
This request follows reports that the national leadership has scaled down programs to fight forced labor, even as spokespersons deny any withdrawal on victim support measures.
Consequences for Regions
- Many service organizations saw their funding end as of the final day of the previous month.
- Without this funding, victims may lose access to crucial assistance including temporary accommodation, mental health care, and legal aid.
- Exploiters could act without fear, making communities less safe.
Official Statement
When asked about questions over the delayed allocation, the department stated that public dollars would be spent eventually, but emphasized that former beneficiaries might not get financial support in the future.
Subsequent funding are to be determined based on the leadership's goals, the department said.
Historical Support
The letter also highlights that lawmakers has repeatedly approved to fund these programs over the last quarter-century, emphasizing the essential role of fully funding lifesaving programs to assist individuals and avoid repeat victimization.