Each year, an estimated 27.6 million people are victims of human trafficking globally.
What is human trafficking?
Human Trafficking is a societal epidemic. Deemed a “violation of human rights,” by the United Nations, it is defined as the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of exploitation. Victims of human trafficking can be subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, forced begging or even organ removal.
A few alarming statistics: According to the UN Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, the most common form of human trafficking is forced labor, constituting 42% of affected individuals. Furthermore, in 2022, 61% of reported victims were women and girls. There was a 31% increase in child trafficking victims between 2023 and 2024, with 1 in 3 victims being a child under age 18. Evidently, human trafficking is a significant issue affecting multiple layers of society, affecting individuals from every social stratum, age group and sex.
RELATED: Recognize Warning Signs and Ways to Prevent Human Trafficking
Raising awareness
July 30 is officially denoted as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. On this date, we can raise awareness for human trafficking and ways to support survivors.
Each year, the United Nations spearheads a campaign to support survivors of human trafficking. This year’s theme sheds light on how law enforcement can help to demolish national and international trafficking networks.
The Blue Heart Campaign, signified by a blue heart, which represents the cold-heartedness of traffickers, is the UN’s key movement against human trafficking. The Blue Heart Campaign aims to spread awareness on this issue and its grave impact on society.
It is critical that we continue our efforts to protect vulnerable populations against human traffickers by spreading awareness to prevent further devastating cases.
Sanctum House
Based in Novi, Michigan, Sanctum House is a grant-funded 501©3 non-profit whose mission is to “create a sanctuary, a place of peace, for survivors of human trafficking.”
Since 2013, the organization has been supporting survivors of human trafficking by offering customized healthcare, professional services such as clinical therapy, substance abuse recovery resources and vocational training. They also offer educational resources and community reintegration support to help individuals build a strong foundation and guide them toward a future of success.
We spoke with Jennifer Baenziger, Marketing Officer at Sanctum House to learn more about Sanctum House’s current work.
Programming
Although Sanctum House is not a crisis center, they do offer trauma-informed care for survivors of human trafficking who are in a stable cognitive state. Women are selected to participate in a structured residential program.
Survivors of human trafficking often have difficulty living normal lives, after being subjected to severe forms of abuse and neglect. They are often in an extremely vulnerable and isolated state. Sanctum House’s programs support victims by building confidence, relationship skills, vocational skills and healthy routines.
Approximately 12 residents live together in a residential home during the duration of the program. “They live as a family…relationships are built…” Baenziger shared.
A typical day in the program may begin with a group meeting, where residents report on the highs and lows during the day. They then attend personalized group therapy sessions. Residents also rotate to prepare meals for the whole group. Sanctum House partners with other local organizations such as Forgotten Harvest, which donates food. Cooking weekly meals provides residents with the chance to practice meal-preparation, budgeting and sequencing skills, important pre-vocational skills. The ultimate goal of the program is to give residents the tools and strength to lead independent lives.
Sanctum House also supports graduates of the program, ensuring continuity of care and community. Baenziger shared that the program assists program graduates in job searches and when looking for educational or skills training programs to support their future endeavors.
Wings of Courage Fundraiser
Sanctum House hosts its largest fundraiser, Wings of Courage: A Night of Western Charm each fall. This year’s event will take place on Friday October 10, 2025 7-10pm at Royal Oak Farmers Market. Tickets are $100 and will include food and beverages. The adult-only event will feature live music, a silent auction and other surprises. Potential donors can donate here. See the flier below for more information or check out all of Sanctum Houses’ events here.
Ways to join the movement
Sanctum House relies on a strong local community of volunteers. Their team is currently composed of program graduates, social workers, clinical professionals, residential advisors, volunteer coordinators, donors and volunteers.
Those interested in volunteering with Sanctum House can contact Mary Ellen King, volunteer coordinator at meking1229@gmail.com or contact Baenziger at jenniferb@sanctumhouse.org.
More resources
If you or a loved one is a survivor of human trafficking or needs information, you can find resources here. Survivors of Human Trafficking can reach out to Sanctum House for support by filling out the online form here or by calling 248-574-9373.
For more resources, check out the list of hotlines in this article.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or texting HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE)
Resources for Victims of Human Trafficking
