Breaking the Chains of Human Trafficking
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
For women living on the streets of Baltimore, each day presents a struggle for survival. From the moment the day begins, threats of violence, hunger, and exploitation create a cycle of entrapment that often feels inescapable. Life on the streets was never their dream, and yet, here they are.
Every woman deserves a future free from fear, and with the right support, she can rise.
It’s up to all of us to be part of the solution. We can educate ourselves, recognize the signs, and take action. Together, we can help survivors find their strength and build the life they deserve. Because of The Well’s belief that Love Can Heal and Change Is Possible, there is hope. Every day, we walk together with women being transformed, simply by recognizing their worth, resilience, and beauty that still shines through.
This month is a reminder that it’s not just about awareness—it’s about action.
Action #1: Educate Yourself and Others
As shared in @thistlefarms’ blog, “Every year, thousands of individuals in the United States engage in commercial sexual activity—not by choice, but because survival demands it. For some, this story includes an exploiter pulling the strings, while for others, it’s their own fight against systemic failures that leads them into exploitation…”
Commercial sexual exploitation refers to any sexual activity traded for something of value—money, food, shelter, transportation, or even the promise of these essentials.
Learn about human trafficking, recognize the signs, and spread awareness to help identify and prevent exploitation.
Action #2: Advocate and Support
Speak out against trafficking so we can change the narrative and shine a light on the fact that it’s an unspoken ‘norm.’ When donating to support organizations working on the frontlines—every bit helps, and we cannot do this without each other. Create a community that empowers vulnerable individuals; our culture is shaped by the actions we take.
One way to make a difference is by choosing to shop from fair trade organizations that support ethical labor practices ensuring workers are treated with dignity. Your purchases help break the cycle of exploitation and contribute to a more equitable world for everyone.
Action #3: Report
Become an active participant in the solution by speaking up when you see something suspicious. Report signs of trafficking to authorities or connect with organizations that provide crucial services, your involvement matters. Support goes beyond awareness—it’s about making a tangible difference in someone’s life.
Drink at the Well is the only program of its kind in Baltimore dedicated to providing a wide range of services and resources to women trauma survivors. Supporting this work means investing in the healing and transformation of women who have faced unimaginable challenges and have given up hope. When we help women to rebuild their lives, we strengthen our communities, showing that dignity, support, and love can truly change the future.
How you can be a part of the solution at The Well:
Donate: Your donation directly supports women survivors to rise above life’s challenges.
Volunteer: Volunteers are vital to providing women survivors the opportunity for a brighter future.
Shop Hon’s Honey: Hon’s Honey is a workforce development program and a social enterprise of The Well dedicated to giving dignity and purpose— Your purchase matters!
Attend our 2025 Annual Fundraiser, Driving Change: This is the most important event of the year! Join us in celebrating, raising funds and awareness to make a difference in Baltimore City and beyond!