January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

By Redaccion
[email protected]

As January marks Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office reaffirms its commitment to combatting this terrible crime and standing in solidarity with victims.

Today, the Ventura County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and January 13, 2024, as Soroptimist STOP Human Trafficking Awareness Day in Ventura County. Human trafficking remains a pressing global issue, and it impacts millions worldwide. But it also occurs in our local communities throughout Ventura County.

With a steadfast dedication to justice and protecting the vulnerable, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office actively collaborates with law enforcement agencies as a member of the Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force, non-profit organizations like Soroptimist International, and community stakeholders to prevent, investigate, and prosecute cases related to human trafficking.

“Our office is committed to ending human trafficking in Ventura County,” District Attorney Erik Nasarenko said. “We recognize the urgency of this cause, and we will continue to pursue justice for survivors while holding predators accountable.”

Throughout Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office will be engaging in a series of outreach initiatives aimed at raising public awareness, educating community members, and fostering a better understanding of the signs and impacts of human trafficking. These efforts include educational workshops, outreach campaigns across various platforms, and partnerships with local schools and organizations to provide resources and support.

•           Wear blue! National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11. Blue is the international color of human trafficking awareness, and you can join and support the nationwide awareness campaign by wearing blue, taking photos, and posting on social media, on January 11, and throughout the month.

•           Thursday, January 11, 2023, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.: Join us at the Soroptimist Simi Valley, STOP Human Trafficking Event and hear from the human trafficking awareness panel, including District Attorney Erik Nasarenko, along with other local dignitaries and professionals. Save your spot here: https://www.soroptimistsv.org/iwillnotbesold

•           Saturday, January 13, 2023: Soroptimist’s International, 17th Annual STOP Human Trafficking Walk & Live Panel event. District Attorney victim advocates will staff a Family Justice Center (FJC) informational booth and other FJC partner agencies will have booths as well. Please find additional details via the following link: https://stoptraffickingventuracounty.org/attend/event-details-2/event-details/

•           Monday, January 29, 2023: “Empowerment Beyond Exploitation: Addressing Human Trafficking, Disability, and Accessing Resources” training. Taught by Deputy District Attorneys Rikole Kelly and Melissa McMurdo at the Carmen Ramirez Family Justice Center at 555 South A Street in Oxnard. This event welcomes practitioners, social workers, law enforcement professionals, and the public. We aim to educate about the signs of human trafficking in individuals with disabilities, understand the unique vulnerabilities and barriers faced by this intersection, and explore resources available for support and assistance.

Furthermore, the Ventura County District Attorney’s encourages community members to join the fight against human trafficking by remaining vigilant, knowing the signs, and reporting any suspicious activities to local law enforcement.

In addition to proactive measures, the District Attorney’s Office remains committed to providing comprehensive support and resources to survivors of human trafficking. Our victim advocates collaborate with service providers to ensure survivors receive the necessary assistance, protection, and care they need to rebuild their lives.

If you or someone you know might be a victim of trafficking, call 9-1-1. If you think you might be a victim and want more information, call 1-800-636-6738 (adults) or 1-805-261-1212 (minors). For more information on the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office’s initiatives or to report suspected human trafficking activities, please visit the Human Trafficking page on our website.