President Obama declared January 2011 to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As he stated in his Presidential Proclamation

Our Nation was founded on the enduring principles of equality and freedom for all.  As Americans, it is our solemn responsibility to honor and uphold this legacy.  Yet, around the world and even within the United States, victims of modern slavery are deprived of the most basic right of freedom.  During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we rededicate ourselves to preventing and ending human trafficking, and we recognize all who continue to fight this serious human rights violation.

Slavery and trafficking often go hand-in-hand with sexual violence. As we engage in our efforts to prevent sexual violence, we must also address slavery and human trafficking.