CHICAGO, IL (January 12, 2011) – Giving to the Break the Chains initiative, sponsored by the Department of Women Ministries of the Evangelical Covenant Church, has passed the half-million-dollar mark since inception of the program in 2008.

That milestone is especially significant given the celebration of anti-human trafficking efforts worldwide this week – Tuesday officially was designated as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. It is estimated that more than 27 million people are currently enslaved.

Break the Chains incorporates three phases of activity – the initial emphasis was on rescue of those caught up in the human trafficking tragedy, followed by a year-long emphasis on restoration and this year’s focus on prevention.

A team of individuals is preparing a variety of prevention tools for use by local churches and individuals that will be rolled out throughout the year. “It is our hope that Covenanters will continue to fight human trafficking through all three means – rescue, restoration and prevention – working together in their churches and communities to end it forever,” says Ruth Hill, executive minister of Women Ministries.

To learn more about the Covenant’s efforts to fight human trafficking, visit the anti-human trafficking segment of the Covenant website.