County leaders launch summer human trafficking awareness campaign

SAN DIEGO, Calif. — County leaders launched a human trafficking public awareness campaign Wednesday that will run throughout the summer to provide information on how the public can protect themselves and others.

The campaign will include radio announcements, outdoor billboards and digital media, with efforts focused on informing children, youth and their peers. This was announced at a press conference by San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas, Supervisor Jim Desmond and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.

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“Child and youth trafficking occurs in every neighborhood and victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality,” Vargas said. “Language barriers and fear too often keep victims silent and make trafficking a hidden crime.”

The FBI reports that San Diego is one of 13 hot spots nationwide for human trafficking, when a person is forced into sexual acts or labor services for profit, through violence, threats and false promises.

According to county leaders, thousands of people are trafficked each year in the county, with the average age of victims being 16 years old.

“Predators target young girls and boys, subjecting them to a life of sexual exploitation through coercion and manipulation,” Desmond said. “These victims are plunged into an abyss of despair, their dreams and aspirations shattered and replaced by unimaginable suffering.”

Often, victims are lured into danger – sometimes via social media – rather than being kidnapped outright.

According to Stephan, law enforcement and prosecution efforts alone are not enough to stop trafficking.

“Traffickers often manipulate, deceive and control their victims through online platforms,” Stephan said. “Our young people need to be aware of predators who pose as friends.”

The campaign will run this summer in English and Spanish, from June to August.

To report suspected child abuse or neglect, call the Child Abuse Hotline at 858-560-2191, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

— City press service