OC Human Trafficking Task Force sees rise in child exploitation and criminals involved.
Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force Releases 2023 Report
In a powerful display of the horrors of sex trafficking, a photo of a cage-like bed frame that once held victims was showcased at the press briefing for the release of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force’s (OCHTTF) 2023 report. The event took place at the offices of Waymakers, a nonprofit dedicated to positive safety outcomes and support for children and families.
This marks the 8th report on human trafficking victims issued by Waymakers and OCHTTF, with Waymakers serving as the administrator of the task force. During the briefing, law enforcement officials, government representatives, and the nonprofit shared the latest trends and updates on human trafficking in Orange County.
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Michelle Heater, the Program Director for Victim Assistance Programs at Waymakers, highlighted a concerning trend in the reports. She stated, “One of the notable trends we have seen in the last few reports is an increase in the number of minors that are identified and involved in human trafficking. Raising awareness about human trafficking and sexual exploitation is crucial in helping the community become a proactive partner in rescuing victims.”
The report revealed that a record-breaking 420 individuals were rescued from human trafficking in Orange County during the 2021–2022 period, surpassing previous years. Of these victims, 372 were victims of sex trafficking, 10 were victims of both labor and sex trafficking, and 38 were victims of labor trafficking. Additionally, 36 percent of the victims were under the age of 18, indicating a significant increase compared to previous years.
Heater urged others to join the fight against human trafficking by educating schools and communities about the dangerous factors contributing to this crime. She emphasized the importance of identifying both minor and adult victims and equipping the community with the necessary tools to combat human trafficking.
The report also shed light on the criminal histories of recent offenders involved in human trafficking in Orange County. Shockingly, 72 percent of perpetrators had been arrested within the last 5 years for various crimes, while 37 percent had been arrested 10 or more times during the same period.
During the press briefing, Anaheim Police Department Chief of Police Rick Armendariz emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to combat human trafficking. He expressed gratitude to the law enforcement partners involved in operations and stressed that human trafficking is a crime that affects everyone, regardless of boundaries, age, culture, or religion.
Representatives of OCHTTF highlighted the importance of increasing penalties for offenders to effectively combat human traffickers in Orange County.
The passing of Senate Bill 14, approved by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 24, will now classify sex trafficking of a minor as a “serious” crime under California law, making it a strike under the Three Strikes law. This legislation will provide law enforcement and prosecuting professionals with additional support and tools to hold traffickers accountable.
State Sen. Josh Newman, who co-sponsored the bill, expressed his satisfaction with its passing and highlighted the importance of deterring recurring criminal behavior and violent conduct through stronger measures.
California consistently ranks first in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking. If you suspect human trafficking or need assistance, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
What are some initiatives implemented by Orange County to combat human trafficking?
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Orange County District Attorney, Todd Spitzer, expressed his commitment to combating human trafficking and holding offenders accountable. He stated, “The release of this annual report is a reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking in our community. By working together and raising awareness, we can protect our vulnerable populations and bring justice to those who exploit others.”
The report emphasized the need for collaboration between law enforcement, government agencies, nonprofits, and the community to effectively address human trafficking. It highlighted the importance of training law enforcement and frontline professionals in recognizing and responding to human trafficking cases, as well as providing specialized support and services to survivors.
As part of the efforts to combat human trafficking, Orange County has implemented various initiatives, including a dedicated human trafficking unit within the District Attorney’s Office and the Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program through Waymakers. These initiatives aim to enhance victim support, raise public awareness, and strengthen the prosecution of offenders.
The press briefing concluded with a call to action for community members to become involved in the fight against human trafficking. The OCHTTF encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activity, become educated on the signs of human trafficking, and support organizations working to prevent and assist victims. By coming together, Orange County can continue to make progress in eradicating this heinous crime and providing justice to survivors.
For more information about the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force and the 2023 report, visit Waymakers’ official website or contact their Victim Assistance Programs.
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