AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Transportation and Office of the Governor launched the 'On the Road to End Human Trafficking' initiative on Tuesday.
The new initiative has been set up to raise awareness, increase vigilance and report signs of human trafficking, according to TxDOT.
“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that knows no boundaries and, sadly, affects hundreds of thousands of women, children and men across our state and around the world,” said TxDOT Executive Director James Bass. “We are proud to work with the Governor’s Commission for Women and other partners to bring an end to this modern-day slavery.”
TxDOT compares the new initiative to a neighborhood watch program, encouraging everyone to know, watch for and report signs of trafficking.
RELATED:
University of Texas research shows more than 300,000 people are trafficked in Texas at any time and 79,000 are youth victims.
TxDOT said to raise public awareness they are educating their employees and travelers with a wallet card including information on signs to look for and steps to take to report trafficking.
Posters and restroom stall signs will also be placed in TxDOT's Texas Travel Information Centers and Safety Areas across the state to provide information to victims of human trafficking on how to get help, according to TxDOT.
If you have information on suspected human trafficking, you can call 888-3373-7888.