In the month of January, we direct our attention to a critical issue - the prevention of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a crime that involves forcing, coercing, or manipulating individuals into labor or commercial sexual acts against their will. Human traffickers use a wide range of tactics such as deceptive job offers, false promises, pretending romantic relationships, or physical violence.
It’s important to understand the signs of human trafficking, as someone we know may be a victim without us realizing it. Locally in Fresno, the Central Valley Justice Coalition is actively engaged in educating to raise awareness and prevent human trafficking in our community. They provide:
Trauma-informed prevention education educates the youth on what human trafficking is, red flags, safety plans, and how to find support.
Students Ending Exploitation (SEE) program is a student-led program that offers peer knowledge and support on high school and college campuses
Classes are available via Zoom by request. Email info@justiceco.org to learn more.
If you or someone you know is experiencing the following, you/they may be a victim of human trafficking and eligible for free assistance.
Not being paid for labor
Being prevented by the employer from leaving the job willingly
Being controlled by someone
Being forced to do something they do not want to do
Is performing work or sexual acts to repay a debt
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 888.373.7888
Text INFO or HELP to BEFREE (233733)
Contact Central Valley Justice Coalition at 559.725.1865 for support, resources, and consultation. You can also contact the Fresno Police Tip Line at 559. 621.5950
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.
Human trafficking victims often suffer in silence. By educating ourselves, raising awareness, and supporting organizations like the Central Valley Justice Coalition, we can help create a safer and more informed community.
If you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, you can follow these tips to offer support:
Ask if they are safe. In human trafficking situations, safety is the top priority. If someone is not safe, you can support their safety by:
Report. If this individual wants help, you can assist them by calling the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888 or the Central Valley Against Human Trafficking at 559.500.7630. If this person does not want help right now, you can give them the hotline info. Once the individual leaves you can make an anonymous tip to the hotline or law enforcement.
Refer. You can also offer support by simply referring the person to the Central Valley Justice Coalition. Connecting the individual will help them learn about the resources and options that may be available to them.