About Rescue & Restore

Campaign Overview

Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is designated as the agency responsible for helping victims of human trafficking become eligible to receive benefits and services so they may rebuild their lives safely in the U.S. As part of this effort, HHS has initiated the Rescue & Restore Victims of Human Trafficking campaign to help identify and assist victims of human trafficking in the United States.

The intent of the Rescue & Restore campaign is to increase the number of identified trafficking victims and to help those victims receive the benefits and services needed to live safely in the U.S. The first phase of the campaign focuses on outreach to those individuals who most likely encounter victims on a daily basis, but may not recognize them as victims of human trafficking. By initially educating health care providers, social service organizations and the law enforcement community about the issue of human trafficking, we hope to encourage these intermediaries to look beneath the surface by recognizing clues and asking the right questions because they may be the only outsiders with the chance to reach out and help victims.

The Rescue & Restore campaign is being launched in three pilot cities in Spring 2004: Atlanta, GA; Philadelphia, PA; and Phoenix, AZ, in which local coalitions are being formed to address the issue on the ground. The campaign will continue to roll out in communities — both urban and rural — across the country throughout the year.

A critical component of the Rescue & Restore campaign is the creation of the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline, 1.888.3737.888, which connects victims of trafficking to Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) who can help victims in their local area. The hotline helps intermediaries determine whether they have encountered a victim of human trafficking, helps connect victims to resources and coordinates with local social service organizations to protect and serve victims of trafficking.

The Rescue & Restore Campaign website was also launched to provide information about the issue of human trafficking, information about the campaign, information and resources for health care providers, social service providers and law enforcement officers as well as information about how to get involved in the campaign. The following informational materials can be accessed from the website.

• Fact sheets
• Training and resource tools for law enforcement, health care and social service providers
• Educational brochures and posters
• Pocket assessment cards for health care providers and law enforcement officers
• Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline Rolodex card