Human trafficking is a grave global issue, generating $150 billion annually and affecting 4-6 million people worldwide. Often referred to as Modern-Day Slavery, this heinous crime disproportionately impacts women and girls, who make up 71% of victims and suffer severe and lasting harm.
In the United States, more individuals pay for sex than in any other country, as noted by the Polaris Project. Victims of sex trafficking are recruited through force, fraud, or coercion, though no such conditions are required for victims under 18. Tragically, 25% of sex trafficking victims are children, and the U.S. Department of Justice reports that over 100,000 kids are trafficked for sex each day, with the average age being 12-14 years.
California is the number 1 destination for sex trafficking nationwide. Unfortunately, Nevada County has begun to experience sex trafficking and the recruitment of our youth through social media. Despite the discomfort of acknowledging this issue, it is crucial to confront the reality that human trafficking is occurring in our community.
Therefore, Soroptimist International of Grass Valley and the Sierra College Foundation, have developed a symposium that will help attendees learn how to prevent and protect loved ones from falling prey to sex trafficking. Local governmental organizations will share information on how human trafficking is showing up in Nevada County and provide tools to empower families and community members to identify the signs of human trafficking. Survivors of sex trafficking from 3 Strands Global will share personal stories of how they were trafficked and provide ideas for how our community can prevent further trafficking and help future victims. We hope to see you at this FREE event! Reserve your free spot at SIGV.org or sierracollege.edu/ncc-events!
