At our first 2026 group meeting we talked about young people, violence and safety relating to several agenda items and we noted that today is also Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Here’s an article on this subject by William, a member of the Somerset Youth Parliament Advisory Group.
Human trafficking is when a person uses force, lies, or any form of pressure to make another person do something for them, such as work or sex; and I believe that human trafficking is a major problem internationally. Many experts on slavery have estimated that around one hundred and twenty-two thousand people in the UK are in modern slavery, and around fifty million worldwide.
Something important to note about human trafficking is that not every victim is the same. Victims of human trafficking are people of all communities, races, genders, and ages, and sufferers often face other forms of abuse and exploitation. Research has indicated that many groups of people, such as minority groups or individuals living in unstable countries, are more vulnerable to human trafficking.
The January 11 2026 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and January 2026 is Human Trafficking Prevention Month; and there are many ways that people can help combat human trafficking; these include creating your own fundraiser, raising awareness, donating to charities, and being wary of anybody that you don’t fully trust.
In 2014 the BBC reported a bleak picture of Humam Trafficking in Somerset BBC News – Somerset’s human trafficking victims ‘need more support’
And now, over a decade later, according to Avon and Somerset Police: ‘Human trafficking and modern slavery are prevalent issues in Avon & Somerset, with an alarming 90% of victims going unreported to the police, according to force chiefs.’ Uncovering the Hidden Trafficking Victims in Avon & Somerset: A Shocking 90% Unreported
Clearly more needs to be done – but what and how?
William
Mental Health Helplines and Support Groups
If you have been effected by anything in this article, there are lots of places where you can get support, here are a few.
Mind – Call 0300 102 1234 or visit their website
Samaritans – Call 116 123 or visit their website
YoungMinds – Mental health help and advice tailored to young people – visit their website
Kooth – Mental health and wellbeing support, activities, and resources – visit their website
