'BeFree' Text Shortcode Helps Victims of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking victims and concerned citizens across the United States can now send quick and discreet text messages for help, thanks to a new joint initiative to end modern slavery.

Polaris Project and Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children — formerly known as the Demi and Ashton (DNA) Foundation — have teamed up with communication API service Twilio and Salesforce Foundation, providing an SMS-based program that instantly connects people to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) hotline.

As of Thursday, the new system is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, through which victims or people with knowledge of a trafficking situation can text "BeFree" (233733), and NHTRC call specialists will respond via text to address each individual’s needs. This could include immediate crisis response, referrals to nearby shelters and emotional support. Read more...