Wave Staff Report
LOS ANGELES — The county Board of Supervisors declared January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and reaffirmed the county’s commitment to preventing trafficking and supporting survivors.
“Human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights that affects workers, children and families in communities across Los Angeles County, often out of sight and without victims knowing where to turn for help,” Supervisor Hilda Solis said. “This proclamation is about more than awareness. It is about strengthening prevention, improving coordination across county agencies and making sure survivors can access culturally competent, trauma-informed services that put their safety and dignity first.”
The motion, approved Jan. 6, recognizes National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, first established in 2010, and highlights the continued prevalence of both labor and sex trafficking across Los Angeles County. Trafficking often remains hidden due to fear, coercion, language barriers and limited public awareness.
The proclamation builds on prior board actions aimed at strengthening countywide responses, including efforts to assess service gaps, improve coordination among departments and enhance data-sharing strategies to better identify and assist victims.
“The Thai Community Development Center has worked hard to combat human trafficking for more than 30 years and we’ve seen it all.” said Chancee Martorell, founder and executive director of the center. “The terror of modern-day slavery is not limited to one month out of the year.
“Tackling this issue requires long-term persistence, funding, awareness, and healing. We are proud supporters of Supervisor Solis’s proclamation, which acknowledges the severity and extent of the challenge by pushing for more services and resources for survivors.”
Several County departments currently play a role in prevention and response, including the Departments of Children and Family Services and Public Health, the Sheriff’s Department, and the District Attorney’s Office. The Office of Labor Equity also conducts outreach and education to help workers recognize signs of exploitation and connect with available resources.
“Survivors of human trafficking have to know not only that Los Angeles County stands with them, but that our approach is putting them front and center,” Supervisor Janice Hahn said. “I’m proud that L.A. County continues to be a national leader in how we address human trafficking and exploitation by shifting away from law enforcement responses and punishment for those being trafficked, and instead toward recognizing the deep trauma survivors face and molding our approach to meet their needs.”
“In Los Angeles County, we are committed to a public health approach to addressing human trafficking by strengthening prevention efforts, supporting survivors, and addressing the conditions that increase vulnerability,” Supervisor Lindsey Horvath said. “Recognizing Human Trafficking Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness, reduce stigma and reinforce coordinated, trauma-informed responses across our communities.”
Solis emphasized that increased awareness and prevention efforts are especially important as Los Angeles prepares to host major international events in the coming years, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The motion proclaims January 2025 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and calls for the year-round promotion of both the Office of Labor Equity’s public awareness campaign and available county and non-county survivor-centered services.
