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A coalition of over seventy advocacy, legal, and faith-based entities across the United States has expressed concerns regarding the delaying of eighty-eight million dollars in public money allocated for survivors of human trafficking.

Support Systems at Risk

Per a unified message, the Justice Department has halted monetary aid for more than 100 service providers that aid survivors leave abusive situations and access necessary resources like safe accommodation, mental health support, and guidance.

"Permitting such resources to vanish would facilitate modern slavery and endanger victims," the letter states. "Many regions will lack their only service provider, stranding victims with nowhere to turn for shelter."

Call to Action

The coalition is pressuring Congress to compel the federal government to restore the allocated money to support countless trafficking survivors nationwide.

This plea comes after investigations that the federal government has reduced initiatives to address modern slavery, though spokespersons dispute any pullback on anti-trafficking policies.

Consequences for Regions

• Numerous support groups saw their funding end as of the final day of the previous month.
• Lacking financial support, victims may lose access to lifesaving services including emergency housing, counseling, and representation.
• Traffickers could act without fear, making communities less safe.

Official Statement

Regarding questions over the withheld money, the DOJ clarified that public dollars would be distributed in due course, but emphasized that previous grantees wouldn’t necessarily receive funding in the coming years.

Subsequent funding will be made in accordance with the government's goals, the office commented.

Historical Support

The communication further notes that Congress has repeatedly approved to fund these services over the last quarter-century, underscoring the vital necessity of adequately resourcing crucial support systems to safeguard victims and stop further abuse.