January marks National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, with January 11 recognized nationwide as Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The Howell County Sheriff’s Office is using the month to highlight the realities of trafficking and reinforce its commitment to protecting vulnerable residents.
According to the Howell County Sheriff’s Office, human trafficking is not limited to major metropolitan areas. It can occur in rural communities and often involves force, fraud, or coercion. Cases may include labor or sex trafficking, and victims—both adults and children—are frequently controlled through fear, manipulation, or dependency.
Deputies encourage the public to stay alert and report concerning behavior. Possible indicators include individuals who appear fearful or unable to speak freely, signs of physical abuse or neglect, lack of personal identification, restricted movement, or unusual living and working conditions.
Officials stress that citizens should not attempt to intervene directly. Anyone who suspects trafficking is urged to contact the Howell County Sheriff’s Office at 417‑256‑2544, or reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1‑888‑373‑7888, or by texting HELP to 233733. Reports can be made anonymously.
The Sheriff’s Office says community awareness and vigilance are key to identifying victims, holding traffickers accountable, and keeping Howell County safe. Additional resources, including a free human trafficking awareness toolkit, are available through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at acf.gov/otip/outreach-material/2026-htpm-toolkit.
