Washington, DC – Today, U.S. Representative Young Kim (CA-39) announced the launch of her Human Trafficking Congressional Task Force including victims’ rights groups, local and federal law enforcement agencies and community advocates working to combat human trafficking and uplift victims in Orange, Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties.
The mission of the Task Force is to hear directly from leaders on the front lines of combating and prosecuting human trafficking, as well as those providing valuable protection services to victims. The meetings will bring stakeholders together to identify problems, find policy solutions and inform Congresswoman Kim’s work in Congress.
Confirmed participants include:
- The Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force
- The Anaheim Police Department
- Orange County District Attorney’s Office
- Orange County Sheriff’s Department
- Waymakers OC
- Crittenton Services for Children & Families
“Human trafficking is modern day slavery that exploits some of the most vulnerable members of our community. The COVID-19 pandemic has unfortunately led to increased risks and hindered prevention efforts,” said Rep. Kim. “These unconscionable crimes should not find safe harbor in our homes, neighborhoods, streets or ports. I am proud to launch a Human Trafficking Congressional Task Force to help address this issue head-on by hearing from those on the front lines of combatting human trafficking. I look forward to working together to share experiences and find solutions.”
“We often like to think that human trafficking is a problem for others, but it is a challenge for all of us. Trafficking and exploitation of the most vulnerable among us impacts our community, our families and our neighbors. The work of task forces such as this one is vital to keep our children safe” said Greg Eubanks, Chief Executive Officer, Crittenton Services for Children and Families.
“Human trafficking is modern day slavery. Stopping this crime is a significant priority for Orange County law enforcement. I look forward to participating on this task force and working with Congresswoman Young Kim to make positive change on this issue at the federal level” said Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
“As the Administrators of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF), Waymakers is pleased to accept an invitation to join Congresswoman Kim’s Human Trafficking Task Force. With over 1,200 victims of human trafficking receiving services through the OCHTTF: 84% female, 68% sex trafficking, 37% foreign nationals, and 26% minors, Orange County is a destination location for all forms of human trafficking victimization. Dealing with the challenges of the anti-human trafficking movement today requires problem-solvers and consensus building, and Waymakers is grateful for Congresswoman Kim’s willingness to bring experts together to collectively address the reasons why human trafficking is able to thrive in today’s society, identify potential policies that can help prevent future victimization and tackle obstacles to services for victims” said Lita Mercado, Chief Program Officer, Waymakers OC.
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, over 1,500 human trafficking cases were reported in California in 2019 – more than any other state.
