Port of Seattle awarded grant for combatting human trafficking

January is human trafficking prevention month and the Port of Seattle announced Friday they have been awarded for their efforts.

The Port of Seattle has been honored with a first-place award from the Department of Transportation's 2022 Combatting Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Awards.

The grant will allow the Port of Seattle to run a national committee with airports around the country. The committee will create a nationwide anti-human trafficking awareness toolkit.

This announcement comes after the Port of Seattle launched its Port of Allies Against Human Trafficking Pledge on Jan. 11.

During human trafficking prevention month, the Port is calling on its partners to raise awareness of the signs and behaviors of human trafficking, according to the Port of Seattle.

The latest statistics from the National Human Trafficking Hotline show that 233 cases, involving 337 victims were identified in Washington State in 2021, the Port of Seattle said.

“Education and awareness are key to recognizing human trafficking at our gateway,” Port of Seattle Commissioner Toshiko Hasegawa said. “Active participation from pledge members will help to interrupt this monstrous underground economy.”