LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- People are being reminded about the signs of human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January. 

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security reports human trafficking occurs all around the world, including suburban and rural areas. According to the Human Trafficking Hotline, more than 2,000 human trafficking victims have been identified in Kentucky. There were 77 cases involving 178 victims in 2023.

"Some signs of human trafficking are seeing individuals who are a little bit more timid, maybe they appear malnourished, they come in to seek medical treatment and don't have their papers," said Vicki Yazel, coordinator of UofL Health SAFE Services. "Maybe they don't have their legal documents. They appear quite a bit younger than what they are stating. They may have a companion who is wanting to do all the talking for them. Very submissive to that companion."

UofL Health said more than 1,000 patients accessed domestic violence and sexual assault services through UofL SAFE Services. Members of SANE can provide exams at all seven UofL Health emergency room locations.

The U.S. Department of State estimates there are 27.6 million victims of trafficking worldwide. Since 2007, The National Human Trafficking Reporting Hotline in Kentucky has identified 2,499 individual victims.

The Department of Homeland Security is also working to end human trafficking. They have an ongoing DHS Blue Campaign effort in the works. For more information, click here.

For more information about how you can help victims, click here. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888.

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