DE HCR42

Designates January 2018 as "Human Trafficking Awareness Month" in Delaware to bring awareness to human trafficking crimes in the state.

Notes that approximately 40 million people globally were victims of modern slavery in 2016, including 20 million in forced labor, 5 million in sexual slavery, and 15 million in forced marriage.

Highlights that women and girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 99% of sexual slavery victims and 84% of forced marriage victims.

Estimates that 60,000 individuals are current victims of modern slavery in the United States, with 1 in 6 runaway children reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children likely victims of forced sexual exploitation.

Calls for continued focus on preventing human trafficking, identifying victims through trauma-informed approaches, and combating perpetrators while raising public awareness of trafficking signs and consequences.