Human trafficking prevention: NC Governor aims to shine light on crime that 'thrives in darkness'

Gov. Stein also declared January 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Governor Stein declares January human trafficking prevention month

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- North Carolina Governor Josh Stein announced a new campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking.

Eleven state government buildings in downtown Raleigh will be illuminated with blue lights from Wednesday through Sunday in honor of victims and survivors.

Gov. Stein also declared January 11 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

He released a statement saying in part: "Human trafficking is a crime that thrives in darkness; that's why we must shine a light."

If you believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, report your suspicions to the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "BEFREE" to 233733. Contact local law enforcement only if someone is in immediate danger.

Understanding Human Trafficking

According to the U.S. Department of State, the U.S. recognizes two primary forms of trafficking in persons: sex trafficking and forced labor. The basic meaning of these forms of human trafficking and some unique characteristics of each are set forth below, followed by several key principles and concepts that relate to all forms of human trafficking.

The U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA), defines "severe forms of trafficking in persons" as:

Sex trafficking: The commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age; orthe recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

Forced labor: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.