Anti-trafficking organization Safe House Project is calling on the Trump administration and HHS Secretary nominee Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to revamp the National Human Trafficking Hotline. The organization argues the hotline, established in 2007 and operated by HHS, has become ineffective in its mission to support victims and combat trafficking.
Safe House Project, which provides various services to victims, including shelter networks, asserts the hotline has "lost all credibility." Following Kennedy's recent committee approval, the organization released a statement emphasizing the need for leadership to restore the hotline's effectiveness in identifying victims, supporting their escape, and ensuring justice for perpetrators.
Echoing government efficiency initiatives, Safe House Project suggests reforming the hotline could both reduce government spending and save lives. CEO Kristi Wells told Fox News Digital that callers often face excessive wait times, leading many to abandon their attempts to report trafficking incidents. She also cited instances of hotline staff failing to return calls or share information with law enforcement.
Wells believes Kennedy, if confirmed, has a significant opportunity to enhance the hotline's efficiency. She advocates for leveraging technology like mobile apps and AI to create a more responsive and user-friendly system.
Based on research with law enforcement and NGOs, Wells contends a technologically advanced system could improve the use of taxpayer dollars and yield better outcomes. She believes such a system would enhance reporting, providing lawmakers with better data to craft more effective policies. While acknowledging the Trump administration's positive stance on combating human trafficking, Wells urges continued prioritization of this issue to ensure victims receive support, reporting increases, and perpetrators are brought to justice.
