Human Trafficking in Eastern Montana: A Hidden Horror and a Call to Action
🔎 What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Victims are exploited through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or sex. It’s not just a big-city problem—it happens here in rural Montana.
Labor Trafficking: Forced work in agriculture, construction, domestic service, or other industries.
Sex Trafficking: Any commercial sex act induced by coercion, fraud, or involving minors.
Other Exploitation: Forced marriages, organ trade, and online scam “fraud factories.”
🗣 Survivor Stories
“If we keep it hidden… it creates a monster.”
– Billings survivor of sex trafficking【ktvq.com†source】
She escaped her trafficker only to struggle with addiction and trauma. Her words remind us: silence only fuels the problem.
Britney’s 8½ Year Nightmare
In Missoula, Britney was trafficked for over 8 years. Manipulated and isolated, she felt trapped in a relationship she couldn’t leave【kpax.com†source】.
The Truck Driver Who Spoke Up
On a Montana highway, one truck driver’s call led to the rescue of trafficked minors【humantraffickinghotline.org†source】. Ordinary people can save lives by speaking up.
📊 The Montana Reality
143 trafficking cases in 2023, up from just 7 in 2015 (nearly a 1,900% increase)【dojmt.gov†source】.
87 victims identified in 2024 by the National Trafficking Hotline【humantraffickinghotline.org†source】.
Rural eastern Montana is especially vulnerable due to isolation, truck stops, motels, and fewer law enforcement resources.
🚨 Warning Signs
Labor Trafficking
Workers unable to leave job or home.
Confiscated IDs or wages.
Living in unsafe, overcrowded conditions.
Sex Trafficking
Tattoos like “property of…”
A controlling companion who speaks for them.
Sudden changes in clothing, friends, or behavior.
🌾 Resources for Rural Communities
CNADA – Serving seven eastern Montana counties with advocacy, shelter, and outreach.
HER Campaign – Billings-based nonprofit offering long-term housing & healing for survivors.
National Human Trafficking Hotline – 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BeFree).
Montana DOJ Human Trafficking Unit – Statewide law enforcement coordination.
💍 Purpose Jewelry: Wearing Freedom
Every piece of PURPOSE Jewelry is handmade by trafficking survivors who receive fair wages, counseling, education, and community support.
“The happiest day of my life was when I received my first salary… I finally had the freedom to choose.” – Kiara, survivor from Mumbai【purposejewelry.org】
👉 Shop Purpose Jewelry – your purchase empowers survivors worldwide.
⚠️ A Scary Truth—And a Plea for Help
Human trafficking is here in our backyards. It thrives in silence, fear, and inaction. Survivors in eastern Montana urgently need safe housing, counseling, legal advocacy, and outreach support.
💜 Your gift to CNADA makes that possible.
$25 provides food and gas for a survivor fleeing danger.
$100 funds emergency shelter for a night.
$500 supports counseling and advocacy for a family rebuilding their lives.
💜 Every donation—large or small—provides hope, safety, and a future free from violence.
👉 To support our work, visit www.cnada.org and click Donate.
📞 Need Help or See Something Suspicious?
If you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please reach out:
Call 911 if there is immediate danger.
CNADA Crisis Line: 406-234-0542 – Available 24/7 to support survivors in Eastern Montana.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BeFree).
CNADA Office: 2200 Box Elder St., Suite 135, Miles City, MT 59301
🌐 www.cnada.org | ✉️ cnada@midrivers.com
You are not alone. Help is only a call away.
📢 Final Thought
Human trafficking is one of the darkest crimes of our time—but together, we can bring light.
Share this blog. Recognize the signs. Support CNADA.
Because freedom should not be optional—it should be guaranteed.