The continuous fight against human trafficking is a long and expensive road. As the governments of every country look to their budgets to determine where they will allot funding every year, the outlook can appear extremely bleak especially since there are so many causes that require hasteful financial support to continue their endeavors. Multiple agencies across the globe have reported a decrease in funding from their respective governments to combat human trafficking due to budget issues and financial set backs.

The UN and other experts estimate the total market value of illicit human trafficking at $32 billion - about $10 billion is derived from the initial "sale" of individuals, with the remainder representing the estimated profits from the activities or goods produced by the victims of this barbaric crime. We can rest assure that those who are profiting from the exploitation of these innocent human beings will not let go of their billion dollar business without a much bigger, more invested fight from those of us who oppose these monstrosities.

Right now there are at least 2.5 million people who are being held, either physically or psychologically, against their will and forced into prostitution and slave labor. We must appeal to congress to ensure funding to continue the fight against human trafficking.