The Colorado Project 2023
What would it take to end human trafficking in Colorado?
Since 2005, the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) has been dedicated to answering this question and advancing anti-trafficking initiatives across the state. The Colorado Project 2023 Report and Action Plan mark a significant next step, building upon previous iterations in 2013 and 2019. This community-based research provides a current assessment of our state’s response to the crime. It shares valuable insights from partnerships around Colorado working on human trafficking, and it offers essential recommendations for the next phase of the movement.
What is The Colorado Project 2023?
LCHT’s latest community-based research report focuses on how trust, equity, and effectiveness affect partnerships working to end this crime. Data were collected through surveys of individuals involved in anti-trafficking efforts, as well as focus groups and interviews with members of task forces and coalitions across Colorado.
Key findings from the report
#1
Housing instability and homelessness remain a top challenge for survivors of human trafficking in Colorado and the systems that serve them. We must innovate to create more safe, stable, and trauma-informed housing options.
#2
Marginalized groups including immigrant and tribal communities, individuals who hold LGBTQ+ identities, and youth experiencing homelessness continue to be more vulnerable to exploitation. Colorado must address root causes of human trafficking by looking “upstream” to tackle issues that create risks and vulnerabilities.
#3
Anti-trafficking partnerships still lack critical representation in their coalitions necessary to be more effective. Membership must prioritize survivors, and organizations supporting underrepresented groups like immigrants, tribal communities, sex workers, youth, and LGBTQ+.
Read and Download the Research:
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Full Report
Action Plan
Regional Community Profiles
Region 1
SE CO / Greater Pueblo
Region 2
Northern CO
Region 3
Denver Metro
Region 4
Greater Colorado Springs
Region 5
Southwest CO
Region 6
Northern Mountains / NW CO
Region 7
Western Slope
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Protecting the Rights of Migrant Sheepherders
Meet Tom Acker, the Co-Founder of Western Slope Against Trafficking (WSAT), a community partnership that supports survivors of human trafficking and raises awareness about this widespread human rights crisis through training and community education.
Research with the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking
We’re contributing data-driven insights to the broader anti-trafficking movement to advance a comprehensive response. Discover our previous research projects and publications.
As we reflect on 10 years of anti-trafficking efforts measured through The Colorado Projects, it’s clear that while much has been accomplished in the past decade, gaps remain that must be addressed in order to effectively combat human trafficking in Colorado