Since we began systematically tracking and recording incidents of human trafficking in 2014, the Ventura County Coalition Against Human Trafficking has identified 57 victims (the actual number is likely much higher, as cases can be difficult to identify and are often mischaracterized or unreported). And Los Angeles County is the epicenter of the crisis.
While law enforcement, survivors and advocates have been doing everything they can to attack human trafficking head-on, the average Ventura County resident is still blind to the threat.
We must continue to innovate when it comes to victim empowerment and battling crime in our community. Other tough-to-find crimes, like sexual assault, are also shame-riddled and trauma-inducing, and therefore are often not discovered or pre-empted because of the challenges of self-reporting.
If you see signs of potential abuse, text HELP to 233733 or call 888-373-7888. And, of course, if there is an emergency, call 911.
To read more of Henry Stern and Geoff Dean's article, please click here.
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