County leaders Wednesday began a human-trafficking public awareness campaign that will run through the summer to provide information on how the public can protect themselves and others.
The campaign will feature radio announcements, outdoor billboards and digital media, with the effort focused on informing children, youth and their peers. It was announced at a news conference by San Diego County Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Nora Vargas, Supervisor Jim Desmond and San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan.
“Trafficking of children and young people happens in all neighborhoods and victims can be 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 San Diego is one of the nation’s 13 hotspots for human trafficking — when a person is forced into sex acts or labor services for profit through violence, threats and false promises.
According to the county leaders, there could be thousands being trafficked every year in the county with the average age of victims 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 thrust into an abyss of despair, their dreams and aspirations shattered and replaced with unimaginable suffering.”
Often the victims are lured into danger — sometimes through social media — rather than being outright kidnapped.
According to Stephan, law enforcement and prosecution efforts alone are not enough to stop trafficking.
“Traffickers often groom, deceive and control their victims through online platforms,” Stephan said. “Our youth need to be aware of predators posing as friends.”
The campaign will run this summer in English and Spanish from June through 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.