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A coalition of 74 religious, legal, and support entities across the nation has expressed concerns regarding the withholding of eighty-eight million dollars in federal funding allocated for survivors of human trafficking.

Services Under Threat

Per a unified message, the DOJ has halted funding for in excess of 100 service providers that assist individuals escape their traffickers and obtain essential services like housing, counseling, and case management.

"Permitting such resources to be cut would allow exploitation to flourish and threaten lives," the letter states. "Numerous areas will lose their only service provider, abandoning individuals with no safe emergency housing."

Call to Action

The coalition is urging legislators to encourage the federal government to release the allocated money to safeguard thousands of trafficking survivors throughout the US.

This request is in response to investigations that the federal government has scaled down programs to combat forced labor, even as representatives dispute any withdrawal on victim support measures.

Impact on Communities

• Several assistance providers had their resources cut as of the end of last month.
• Without this funding, individuals may go without to lifesaving services including temporary accommodation, therapy, and representation.
• Exploiters could operate with impunity, endangering public safety.

Official Statement

Regarding inquiries over the delayed allocation, the Justice Department clarified that money appropriated by Congress would be utilized at a later time, but added that past recipients might not obtain money in the coming years.

Upcoming allocations are to be determined in accordance with the government's goals, the agency commented.

Historical Support

The document further notes that lawmakers has overwhelmingly voted to continue these services over the past 25 years, emphasizing the critical importance of adequately resourcing essential services to safeguard victims and stop further abuse.