When you think of anti-trafficking work, data is probably not the first thing that comes to mind. But in our fight against human trafficking, data coupled with innovative technology has proved to be a formidable weapon.

Right at this very moment, there are over 40 million slaves in the world. That’s 1 out of every 200 people living in some form of forced labor.

The face of a trafficker is not bound by race, gender, or nationality. That is why we are vigilant as we look for signs of suspicious activity pointing to potential traffickers and their victims.

Hopes. Dreams. The pursuit of a bright future. For most of us, we take these privileges for granted. After all, we view them as basic human rights. Yet across the globe exist thousands, even millions, of lives that are never afforded the opportunity to know what it is to have hopes and dreams for a future filled with success, accomplishment, and love. Watch the following video for a glimpse into what it's like to have no choice but to blindly trust the promise of a stranger in order to somehow fulfill your desire for a better life.

There are two main anti-trafficking strategies used around the world. The first is prevention through education and awareness, and the second is rescue. The downside to the rescue strategy is that the damage has already been done, and rehabilitation is extremely difficult. To fight human trafficking, Love Justice sits right in the middle of these two strategies—using a method we call "transit monitoring."

All of us at Love Justice are committed to intercepting young women and children before they become entrenched in the dark world of human trafficking. Through our transit monitoring programs, made possible through the support of our generous partners, we have been able to intercept over 16,000 active or potential trafficking cases, ensuring that these women and children are spared from a life of unimaginable brutality—young women like Dolma*, Fursang*, Maya*, Tika*, and Sayng*.

The human trafficking industry is one of the most devastating inhumanities in the world today, and it continues to grow. Every year an average of 600,000–800,000 women and children are trafficked, and it is estimated that there are around 40 million slaves in the world today—more than any other time in history.

One of the instrumental strategies we employ at Love Justice International to fight human trafficking is the use of data collection and analysis. Our staff are continually collecting and analyzing data in order to better understand trafficking trends and networks. This is crucial in helping to improve our operations, prosecute traffickers, and identify targets for investigations.

I have to admit I’m complaining more than usual these days when it comes to flying and airports! Traveling isn’t as glamorous as it once was. Too much congestion. Too many delayed or canceled flights. More rude people than I care to think about. And never-ending security lines!

Human trafficking is one of the most devastating inhumanities in the world today. Globally, it is estimated that there are over 40 million slaves—the largest amount in history.