Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking

Description

Organized responses to human trafficking are relatively new and the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) has become a leader in this effort over the past 13 years. In 2005, our organization formed as a state chapter of the Polaris Project, a nationally recognized anti-trafficking organization. With the support of a small group of dedicated volunteers, we enhanced local anti-trafficking efforts by raising public awareness and facilitating professional trainings. In 2009, in order to establish our work at the forefront of Colorado's anti-trafficking movement, we transitioned to an independent 501(c)3 called the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking. We deliberately chose to describe ourselves as a laboratory to reflect our understanding of the need to incorporate a mix of ideas, with input from multiple sectors, to adequately understand and address the problem. We now focus our work in multiple areas including research to inform coordinated state-wide efforts, training of those personnel in positions to detect and/or serve victims of trafficking, education to raise public awareness, oversight of Colorado’s human trafficking hotline, and development of future leaders in human rights fields.