Manteca police host human trafficking awareness town hall: “It happens everywhere” – CBS News

Human Trafficking Awareness Month: Manteca Police Department Town Hall Report

Introduction

In observance of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, the Manteca Police Department hosted a town hall meeting aimed at educating the community about human trafficking, emphasizing the importance of awareness, recognition of signs, and the critical role of community reporting. This initiative aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), by addressing modern slavery and promoting justice and strong institutions.

Scope and Impact of Human Trafficking

• Human trafficking is recognized as modern-day slavery affecting victims of all ages, including children.
• Karla Garcia, advocate for Prevail’s commercial sexual exploitation of children program, highlighted that trafficking occurs locally, not only in undeveloped countries, impacting homes and communities.
• Manteca Police Chief Stephen Schuler reported approximately 400 survivors in the region last year and around 150 arrests of traffickers, indicating the scale of the problem.

Geographical Significance and Trafficking Routes

Manteca’s strategic location between Highways 99 and 120 makes it a critical hub for trafficking routes connecting Sacramento, the Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Reno, and Seattle. This positioning facilitates the movement of victims, a defining characteristic of trafficking.

Dr. Troy Stein, founder and CEO of Stop Human Trafficking, emphasized that traffickers exploit freeway systems to move victims, underscoring the national and regional prevalence of this multi-billion dollar criminal enterprise. The US Department of Justice ranks human trafficking as the world’s second-most profitable criminal activity after drug trafficking.

Community Engagement and Education

• Residents, including grandparents Todd and Badre Grigsby, attended the town hall to gain insights into trafficking tactics such as grooming via social media platforms.
• Prevail, a local non-profit, provides essential counseling and support services to victims, focusing on harm reduction, healthy relationships, and coping mechanisms.
• Yvonne Ochoa, Prevail’s outreach program manager, reported serving approximately 200 youth with over 1,000 services in the fiscal year 2024-2025, demonstrating the organization’s commitment to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality Education).

Challenges and Stigma

Karla Garcia noted the significant stigma surrounding human trafficking, particularly related to survival sex, which complicates open discussion and intervention efforts. Addressing these social barriers is essential to advancing SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities) and SDG 16.

Call to Action: Community Vigilance and Reporting

1. Chief Schuler urged the community to adopt the mantra: “If you see something, say something,” encouraging proactive reporting to prevent trafficking.
2. Contact information for reporting includes:
   • Adult Protective Services: (209) 468-3780
   • Manteca Police Department: (209) 456-8100 or 911 for emergencies
   • Child Protective Services: (209) 468-1333
3. Efforts to eliminate demand by targeting purchasers of trafficked individuals were emphasized as a critical strategy to eradicate trafficking.

Resources and Support

Additional information and confidential assistance are available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Conclusion

The Manteca Police Department’s town hall highlights the importance of community education, vigilance, and collaboration in combating human trafficking. These efforts contribute directly to achieving multiple Sustainable Development Goals by promoting justice, reducing inequalities, and ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable populations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses human trafficking, including commercial sexual exploitation of children, which disproportionately affects women and girls.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Human trafficking is described as a form of modern slavery, violating decent work conditions and economic rights.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The article highlights law enforcement efforts, community awareness, and justice system involvement to combat human trafficking.
4. SDG 4: Quality Education – Emphasis on education and awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking and support victims.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 5 Targets
   • 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
2. SDG 8 Targets
   • 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
3. SDG 16 Targets
   • 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
   • 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
4. SDG 4 Targets
   • 4.7: Ensure that all learners acquire knowledge and skills needed to promote sustainable development, including human rights and gender equality.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Number of survivors identified and supported: The article mentions approximately 400 survivors in the region served by Prevail, indicating tracking of victim identification and support services.
2. Number of arrests of traffickers: About 150 arrests in the region are cited, which can be used as an indicator of law enforcement effectiveness.
3. Number of youth served and services provided: Prevail served around 200 youth with over 1,000 services, implying monitoring of outreach and support program reach.
4. Community awareness and reporting rates: The emphasis on “If you see something, say something” and hotline usage suggests indicators related to community engagement and reporting frequency.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: cbsnews.com