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A coalition of over seventy religious, legal, and support organizations across the US has sounded warnings regarding the delaying of eighty-eight million dollars in public money allocated for victims of modern slavery.

Support Systems at Risk

Per a joint letter, the Justice Department has frozen financial support for more than 100 assistance organizations that help victims escape their traffickers and obtain essential services like safe accommodation, mental health support, and guidance.

"Allowing this money to be cut would facilitate modern slavery and put survivors’ lives at risk," the letter states. "Numerous areas will lose their primary support network, leaving survivors with no safe emergency housing."

Call to Action

The coalition is asking Congress to push the federal government to release the funding to protect numerous trafficking survivors nationwide.

This appeal comes after reports that the administration has reduced programs to address human trafficking, even as spokespersons deny any pullback on human rights measures.

Consequences for Regions

• Many assistance providers saw their funding end starting the last day of September.
• In the absence of these funds, survivors may go without to crucial assistance including emergency housing, therapy, and representation.
• Exploiters could act without fear, endangering public safety.

Official Statement

When asked about questions over the withheld money, the Justice Department stated that public dollars would be utilized at a later time, but noted that past recipients may not receive funding in the next cycle.

Upcoming allocations will be made based on the leadership's goals, the office explained.

Historical Support

The document also highlights that the legislative branch has consistently supported to maintain such initiatives over the last quarter-century, emphasizing the vital necessity of adequately resourcing crucial support systems to assist individuals and prevent re-exploitation.