NJ Coalition Against Human Trafficking Announces the Release of Labor Trafficking PSA made by survivors

The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT) has announced the official release of a new Public Service Announcement (PSA) on Labor Trafficking, which will go live on YouTube on Friday, March 11. This short educational film was written and narrated by those with lived experience of labor trafficking in the US. It comes at a crucial time when people are becoming more aware of forced labor and labor exploitation in New Jersey and elsewhere in the US and helps to explain what it looks like and how those experiencing it can seek help.

Suleman Masood is a field expert in human trafficking, who co-wrote and narrated the PSA, he said: “Education is the key to prevention. The NJCAHT’s countless efforts to empower survivors of human trafficking through education fulfills a necessary gap in awareness to the Tri-state area. It was an honor to partner with the NJCAHT to create the Labor Trafficking PSA. This innovative PSA will bring the necessary attention to recognize and respond to individuals who may be at risk of labor trafficking.”

Harold D’Souza is a survivor of human trafficking, and co-wrote the PSA with Mr. Masood, he said: “The NJCAHT believes in empowering “survivors” to thrive, and I was blessed to be a part of the creation of this PSA. The NJCAHT takes the initiative in educating, enlightening, and encouraging “survivors” to live a happy life forever.”

Gina Cavallo is the Survivor Consultant for the NJCAHT. “I am honored to be a part of bringing the NJCAHT further in being survivor inclusive,” She said. “We are proactive and understand the important benefits of survivor inclusion and collaboration. Inviting Harold D’Souza and Suleman Masood to the table brings global and multi-faceted perspectives. Both have a unique lived experience, life experience and work experience that allowed us to create a successful PSA, with both Suleman and Harold taking the lead. When we empower survivors, everyone benefits: we heal, and this powerful PSA will educate, bring awareness, and save lives!”

The NJCAHT President, Danny Papa, said: “We believe that the use of media will enable us to achieve our mission of uniting New Jersey communities to help end human trafficking.  Collaborating with this wonderful team of survivors enabled us to produce this PSA which is authentic, relevant, and insightful. We are excited to release this Labor Trafficking PSA, which is the first of many.”

The Labor Trafficking PSA will initially be available in English, but translations into many different languages are planned. You can watch the release of the PSA on Friday at noon here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxurAL155FM.

About the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking

The New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking (NJCAHT) is a fully volunteer-run 501c3 nonprofit founded in 2011 that coordinates statewide community efforts to end sex and labor trafficking in New Jersey. Comprising over 150 volunteers and more than 200 affiliates including nonprofits, faith-based organizations, academics, law enforcement, and direct service providers it works to empower communities with the knowledge of what human trafficking is, how to prevent it, and how to support those affected by it. During January’s Human Trafficking Prevention Month and throughout the year the NJCAHT makes free awareness education available via online events and by offering trainings to schools, local groups, healthcare teams and faith-based communities via its Speakers Bureau. Their events in January include a student created event for January 11 – Human Trafficking Awareness Day – a presentation by Homeland Security on January 18 and an online seminar about the intersection of Child Abuse and Human Trafficking on January 25. For more information go to www.safernj.org.