In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly appointed July 30th as the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. This UN Resolution declared this day necessary to “raise awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and for the promotion and protection of their rights.” The 2020 theme will focus on those who are the first responders to human trafficking. These are the people who work in different sectors – identifying, supporting, counselling and seeking justice for victims of trafficking, and challenging the impunity of the traffickers.
Human Trafficking is a human rights violation and a crime in all areas of the United States. The California Penal Code defines human trafficking as a person who deprives or violates the personal liberty of another with the intent to obtain forced labor or services. These services include forced labor and sex trafficking.
The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force is working diligently to identify and rescue victims of human trafficking. Last week, the task force conducted an operation at a Ventura County motel in an attempt to rescue victims of sex trafficking and arrest their traffickers.
Detectives contacted with multiple victims during the operation. The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force works closely with a non-profit victim service provider was able to provide resources to a potential victim.
Amid the pandemic, detectives throughout the county are still dedicated to identifying and providing services to victims of human trafficking. Despite a health risk to the human trafficking victims and the community, traffickers will force their victims to continue working, which potentially can spread Covid-19 or other viruses. Task Force members monitor sex and illicit massage websites for solicitation of services, direct extra patrols of known sex trafficking sites, and contact sex traffickers as well as potential customers of illegal sex acts.
The Ventura County Human Trafficking Task Force is a task force made up of members from the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office, Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Ventura Police Department, Santa Paula Police Department, Simi Valley Police Department, Oxnard Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, Homeland Security Investigations, California Department of Justice, and several victim service providers. The primary mission of the task force is combatting the fight against sex and/or labor trafficking of humans within Ventura County. The Ventura County Task force works closely with surrounding cities and counties to fulfill our mission.
Detectives encourage victims to contact “211” or local law enforcement if you believe you are victim or know a victim of human trafficking to be connected with services.
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