The 25th of February is a day to draw red X's on your hands. It is a day to dream of a world without slavery. It is a day to "End It!" The End It Movement is a coalition of sixteen nonprofits that work both within the United States and internationally; nonprofits who seek to give "awareness, prevention, rescue, and restoration" to victims of human trafficking.

What Does End It do?

The End It Movement is a coalition that creates a nation-wide awareness campaign that sweeps across the United States on February 25th. Through this coalition, the End It Movement has developed a network that offers a wide range of specific services to help victims obtain the resources that they need and find justice. Through donations and awareness apparel, the End It Movement raises money that is shared among the partnering nonprofits. As of right now, the End It Movement has successfully raised over $4 million since 2013 which has gone to support over 50 projects locally and globally. Additionally, the End It Movement sign has been shared over 250 million times.

Why Care About Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is not something that happens in a far away country. It happens within the United States. It maybe even happening right next door. The reason to care about human trafficking is because it can happen to anyone. It takes that dear person away forever and puts them through a life of physical abuse and horrific mental trama. This abuse and trauma shortens victims' lives because it often comes with medical issues according to the type of trafficking. Examples are sexually transmitted diseases obtained from sex-slavery, growth hindrance through long hour days being a labor-slave, and mental trauma from rape or assault. Stopping human trafficking stops these crimes from possibly occurring to our loved ones and to others in the world.

What Can I Do?

Stopping human trafficking does not just start and end with a nonprofit coalition. Stopping human trafficking starts and ends with the average American--that is us. By being aware of human trafficking signs, we can save someone trapped in a living nightmare and who is somebody's loved one. Human trafficking signs are similar to signs of domestic violence and a drug house. To see specific list, please visit the Department of Homeland Security.

So this February 25th mark that back of your hands with red X's. The X's may spark conversation about this horrific crime. That conversation allows sharing knowledge of signs to be aware of, and that might just help save a life.