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A coalition of 74 legal, religious, and advocacy groups across the US has expressed concerns regarding the freezing of $88 million in federal funding allocated for individuals escaping forced labor.

Services in Jeopardy

Per a collective communication, the Justice Department has halted financial support for more than 100 assistance organizations that assist individuals escape their traffickers and obtain crucial support including safe accommodation, mental health support, and guidance.

"Letting such resources to be cut would enable human trafficking and threaten lives," the communication emphasizes. "Many regions will be without their primary support network, leaving survivors with nowhere to turn for shelter."

Appeal for Intervention

The coalition is pressuring legislators to compel the executive branch to reinstate the funding to support numerous affected individuals throughout the US.

This appeal follows reports that the federal government has reduced efforts to address human trafficking, even as spokespersons deny any retreat on victim support policies.

Impact on Communities

• Many service organizations lost their financial backing effective the last day of September.
• In the absence of these funds, survivors may lose access to essential support like safe shelter, counseling, and advocacy.
• Traffickers could exploit freely, endangering public safety.

Government Response

In response to questions over the withheld money, the DOJ stated that public dollars would be utilized at a later time, but emphasized that former beneficiaries wouldn’t necessarily receive funding in the next cycle.

Upcoming allocations are to be determined based on the leadership's priorities, the agency said.

Historical Support

The letter also highlights that the legislative branch has overwhelmingly voted to continue these services over the previous decades, underscoring the vital necessity of properly financing crucial support systems to assist individuals and stop further abuse.