Read the Proclamation Here

Governor Kathy Hochul today issued a proclamation designating January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in New York State, as New York State agencies involved in the state's response to human trafficking undertake efforts to raise awareness throughout the month.

“As co-chair of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, our agency is committed to assisting individuals who have been subjected to trafficking and continues to work closely with providers, local human trafficking liaisons, regional anti-trafficking task forces, and state agencies to ensure access to services for survivors,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) Commissioner Barbara C. Guinn said. “Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State is taking proactive steps to combat human trafficking and support survivors, strengthening anti-trafficking laws and programs while increasing access to survivor-centered services that help survivors rebuild their lives.”

“Human trafficking is a serious crime that requires a coordinated, survivor-centered response,” New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) Commissioner Rossana Rosado said. “As co-chair of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, DCJS works with our partners to identify victims, connect survivors to critical services, and strengthen trauma-informed responses across the criminal justice system. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York continues to advance prevention, accountability, and support for survivors statewide.”

Under Governor Hochul's leadership, New York State has taken proactive steps to combat human trafficking and support survivors. New York has strengthened anti-trafficking laws and programs while increasing access to services that help survivors rebuild their lives.

In December, Governor Hochul signed two bills aimed at assisting survivors of human trafficking, among others. One bill will help survivors of crimes like human trafficking, or domestic violence, get out from under debt they were coerced to take on by their trafficker. The other bill provides immunity from prosecution for certain individuals engaged in prostitution who are victims of or witnesses to a crime and who report such crime or assist in the investigation or prosecution.

At the Governor's direction, trafficking survivors have been added as eligible populations for supportive housing under the Empire State Supportive Housing Initiative and OTDA's Homeless Housing and Assistance Program. These programs provide funding to construct and operate supportive housing developments across the state for formerly homeless individuals and families.

The 14 state agencies that are part of the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, which is co-chaired by OTDA and DCJS, all play a critical role in working to prevent trafficking and identifying and assisting survivors of human trafficking.

The agencies involved in the task force use data-driven public health approaches to identify those with increased vulnerability to being trafficked and implement targeted prevention strategies. This work includes developing outreach materials—including a trafficking awareness poster with examples that is available in 12 languages, and a 30-minute training video—to help individuals recognize tactics that have been used to force labor and inform them of service providers who can provide assistance. The task force routinely provides training to organizations throughout the state to raise awareness of human trafficking and to help ensure services are client-centered and trauma informed.

OTDA and DCJS play a key role in helping trafficked individuals access services. DCJS receives referrals from law enforcement agencies and established social and/or legal services providers and, in consultation with OTDA, confirms individuals as having been trafficked. The confirmation process links individuals with access to critical services and support.

In 2025, 379 individuals were confirmed, 129 for sex trafficking, 204 for labor trafficking, and 48 for both sex and labor trafficking.

In addition to collaborating with state partners, OTDA and DCJS provide training and technical assistance to law enforcement and other stakeholders on human trafficking

OTDA also manages the Response to Human Trafficking Program (RTHP), which allocates nearly $2.4 million annually to community-based providers for survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services for trafficked persons, including: emergency needs, such as food or clothing; shelter/rental assistance; medical and mental health care; and legal services. RHTP focuses on those individuals who would otherwise not have access to needed services, including those who are not eligible for public benefits.

The New York State Office of Victim Services funds and supports more than 200 victim assistance programs across the state that provide essential services, such as crisis counseling, support groups, case management, emergency shelter, civil legal help, and relocation assistance, among other assistance, to victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other crimes, and their families. More information can be found at www.ovs.ny.gov/connect.

New York State Office of Victim Services Director Bea Hanson said, “Survivors of human trafficking deserve access to safe, confidential, and trauma-informed support. Through Governor Hochul's continued investments, the Office of Victim Services provides victim compensation to survivors of human trafficking and funds a statewide network of programs that help survivors of trafficking and other crimes recover and thrive. Human Trafficking Awareness Month underscores our commitment to ensuring help is available when it is needed most.”

New York State Office for the Protection of Domestic Violence Executive Director Kelli Nicholas Owens said, “Human trafficking can be a form of gender-based violence rooted in power and control, and exploitation. Through the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking, New York State is strengthening collaboration to prevent violence, identify victims, and ensure survivors are at the center of the response. I commend Governor Hochul for her strong leadership and unwavering commitment to those impacted by trafficking and gender-based violence, and to building a New York where survivors are believed and supported.”

New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Protecting and empowering New York workers is central to the New York State Department of Labor's mission, and we are determined to ensure all workers are free from exploitation. Victims of human trafficking are often forced to work against their will, and we stand ready to investigate instances of possible trafficking, help individuals fight for their lost pay, and connect survivors to the support they need. I applaud Governor Hochul for advancing the fight against human trafficking in New York State and for her unwavering support for survivors.”

New York State Office of Children and Family Services Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “We are proud to work alongside Governor Hochul and our partners in the Interagency Task Force on Human Trafficking to disrupt the egregious exploitation and coercion of individuals. Together, we are committed to providing survivors with the services they need to escape harm, heal, and begin safe, new lives. Children and youth who have been exploited and trafficked have endured significant, compounding traumas and need holistic services to aid in their healing, such as New York's Safe Haven and EMPOWER programs. Safe Harbour supports counties in developing local responses to meet the needs of youth who have been trafficked or are at risk of human trafficking. Each year, Safe Harbour programs serve approximately 2,000 youth statewide. The EMPOWER program is a specialized foster care placement model for youth who have been trafficked. This year, the OCFS Division of Youth Development and Partnerships for Success is recording a series of webinars to help educate people about child sex and labor trafficking, including signs to watch out for and services available to help those affected. The webinars will be posted later in January on the human trafficking playlist on the OCFS YouTube channel for people to watch at their convenience.”