Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January is a campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking issues and support survivors. Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological. It may involve the use of violence, threats, lies, or debt bondage. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used. Human trafficking does not require travel or transportation of the victim across local, state, or international borders; see justice.gov/humantrafficking/what-is-human-trafficking.
“Human trafficking remains a significant challenge within our community, impacting women, men, youth, non-binary, gender-non conforming, and transgender individuals from diverse backgrounds,” says Celina Alveraz, Associate Director of Empower Yolo. “We witness this issue frequently, but we are committed to providing life-saving services to survivors, to help empower them to rebuild their lives,” adds Alveraz.
Human trafficking can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use the following methods to lure victims into trafficking situations: violence, manipulation, false promises of well-paying jobs, and romantic relationships. Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime. Traffickers look for people who are easy targets for a variety of reasons, including psychological or emotional vulnerability, economic hardship, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or political instability. The trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims or ask for help, even in highly public settings; see https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking.
A young trafficking survivor, Anna shared her story (her name has been changed to protect privacy). I was trafficked from another state and had been forced to work in the sex trade enduring horrific abuse. Somehow I managed to escape my traffickers and ran away to a nearby city. I was scared and alone and didn’t know where to turn. I found an agency that helped me get to California where I found Empower Yolo. At Empower Yolo there was a human trafficking advocate that I learned to trust and build a rapport with. She helped me find a safe and secure place to stay where I received services like warm meals, clothing, and counseling services. I am working on rebuilding my life and starting over.
“As a victim advocate, I’ve seen firsthand how awareness can save lives,” says Jen Vasquez, Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate. “Human Trafficking Awareness Month events like the forum Empower Yolo will host are critical because they empower communities to recognize the signs of trafficking and take action. Together, we can create a safer environment where survivors like Anna feel supported and future exploitation is prevented,” adds Vasquez.
Empower Yolo provides services for survivors of human trafficking including 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, safe shelter, housing assistance, financial empowerment services, and more. The agency’s designated human trafficking advocate provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive support for survivors of this level of trauma.
Join Empower Yolo in raising awareness about human trafficking in our community and supporting survivors. There are several ways you can learn more and get involved:
Empower Yolo is co-sponsoring the following in-person event. Human Trafficking Forum: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.); West Sacramento Community Center, 1075 West Capitol Ave., West Sacramento 95691.
In partnership with the Yolo County District Attorney’s Office, Yolo County Office of Education, 3 Strands Global Foundation, West Sacramento Police Department, and Yolo County Supervisor, Oscar Villegas we invite you to hear survivor speakers and a panel of experts on how to help end human trafficking. There will be youth-focused and adult-focused presentations to help community members learn the signs, recognize red flags, and hear ways to help a friend or family member impacted by human trafficking. We encourage community members to participate in the event to gain a deeper understanding of the issues and discover how they can support their neighbors, friends, and the broader community.
“Bringing people together for this anti-trafficking event demonstrates the power of community in raising awareness and driving action. Every voice united against trafficking strengthens our resolve to protect the vulnerable and educate others about the signs and impact of this injustice,” Alveraz says.
Each January Soroptimist and Empower Yolo partner to host a toiletry drive for human trafficking survivors. Please donate new, travel-size toiletry items such as conditioner, body wash, soap, deodorant, and chapstick. Other helpful items are gift cards for coffee, fast food, gas, and groceries; non-perishable snacks; sweat pants (any sizes); towels or wraps to keep warm. Items can be dropped off at the main office at 175 Walnut Street, Woodland, or the resource center at 441 D Street, Davis during office hours. Donations can also be brought to the event on January 29. With these donated items, Soroptimist will be creating comfort backpacks and delivering them to Empower Yolo and to local hospitals for human trafficking survivors.
Wear Blue Day is Saturday, January 11. Wear blue, the color of human trafficking awareness, to show your support; post a photo with #WearBlueDay and tag @empower_yolo. You can also support survivors by donating to Empower Yolo’s human trafficking program at any time at empoweryolo.org. Please follow our efforts throughout the month on Facebook @empoweryolo, Instagram, and Twitter @empower_yolo.
A special thank you to Soroptimist Woodland for sponsoring Empower Yolo’s activities during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, including the human trafficking forum. Your support is invaluable in our efforts to combat this critical issue.
For more information on human trafficking contact Jen Vasquez, Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate at [email protected], or call our 24-hour crisis line for support at (530) 662-1133. All services are free, safe, and confidential.
Empower Yolo provides hope for survivors like Anna, offering the safety, security, and essential services they need to reclaim their lives. Through safe shelter, counseling, legal support, and a network of compassionate care, survivors can begin to heal and rebuild their lives with dignity. Every story like Anna’s is a testament to the power of community and the difference we can make when we come together to support those in need. By continuing to invest in anti-trafficking programs like Empower Yolo’s, we ensure that survivors have the resources and opportunities to not just survive, but thrive. Together, we can create a future where every individual is free from exploitation and empowered to live a life of safety and independence.