Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we want to pause for a moment—not to overwhelm you with statistics, but to share the truth, the hope, and the reason we do what we do at Safe Places for Women.
There are many myths surrounding human trafficking. One of the most common is that it’s something that happens “somewhere else”—in other countries or far-off places. The truth is harder, and closer to home.
Human trafficking is happening right here in Colorado. In fact, an estimated 15,000 women are sex trafficked in our state each year, yet only a small fraction are ever identified or connected to care. Most survivors are hidden in plain sight—often controlled through fear, manipulation, homelessness, addiction, or lack of safe options.
Another myth is that once someone escapes trafficking, the danger is over. Sadly, without safe housing and trauma-informed support, survivors face up to an 80% risk of being re-exploited. At the moment of recovery, every identified survivor in Colorado is considered homeless. Safety, stability, and support are not extras—they are lifesaving.
Here’s what keeps us going, even in the face of these realities:
When women are given a safe place to land and a community that believes in them, healing happens. Survivors begin to reclaim their identity, restore hope, pursue education, find employment, and build a future that once felt impossible. Our programs are designed not just to help women survive—but to truly live, free and whole.
These facts don’t discourage us.
They propel us.
They push us to keep opening doors for women who are still being exploited.
They move us to walk alongside those who are bravely seeking recovery.
They remind us that compassion, when paired with action, changes lives.
During this month of awareness, we invite you to be part of that action:
Learn the truth and help dispel the myths surrounding trafficking by taking the free online training at iamonwatch.org
Support survivor housing and restorative care through giving or sponsorship
Share this message so others understand that help is needed—and possible
Your support tells survivors they are not alone, not forgotten, and not beyond hope.
Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing that freedom is possible. Together, we are helping create safe places where healing can begin.
With gratitude and hope,
The Safe Places for Women Team
P.S. If you’d like to learn more, partner with us, or support our work this month, we’d love to connect. Visit safeplacesforwomen.org to take the next step.
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