title
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of January 2020 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Solano County (Chairwoman Hannigan)
body
Published Notice Required? Yes _____ No __X__
Public Hearing Required? Yes _____ No __X__
DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt and present a resolution recognizing the month of January 2020 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Solano County.
SUMMARY:
The month of January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking endangers the lives of millions of people around the world - a crime that knows no borders. It is estimated that 24.9 million men, women and children around the world are victims of human trafficking. Trafficking networks operate domestically and internationally. Trafficking disproportionately affects women and girls, victims worldwide include men, women and children of all ages. An intentional effort on generating awareness and observing this month with appropriate programs and activities are key factors toward effectively ending human trafficking. Throughout this month, advocates, organizations, and individuals unite globally to raise awareness about human trafficking prevention.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The cost associated with preparing this agenda item is included in the Department’s FY2019/20 Adopted Budget. There is no additional impact to the County General Fund.
DISCUSSION:
President Obama in January 2010 instituted an annual month of awareness events on human trafficking with a proclamation declaring January as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking is an illegal trade in human beings through recruitment or abduction, by means of force, fraud or coercion for purposes of forced labor, debt bondage or sexual exploitation.
Trafficking in persons is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of men, women and children fall into the hands of traffickers, in their own countries and abroad. Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination for victims.
Human trafficking is a growing problem in the United States and around the world. California, with its large immigrant communities, the world’s 9th largest economy and extensive international border, is considered one of the top four destinations in the United States for human trafficking.
The sexual abuse and exploitation of children rob the victims of their childhood, irrevocably interfering with their emotional and psychological development. Ensuring that all children come of age without being impacted by sexual trauma or exploitation is more than a criminal justice issue, it is a societal issue. Despite current efforts, the threat of child sexual exploitation remains very real and can occur in the home, on the street, over the Internet, in the United States or overseas.
The second most common form of human trafficking is forced labor, although this may be a misrepresentation because forced labor is less frequently detected and reported than trafficking for sexual exploitation. Worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children.
Some common precursors to exploitation include a history of sexual abuse. Over 90% of identified commercially sexually exploited children have a prior history of sexual abuse. The average age of entry into commercial sexual exploitation is 12-14 for girls and 11-13 for boys. Often young people are not identified right away, but rather after many years of experiencing the compounded trauma of being sold into what is commonly referred to as “modern day slavery.”
Solano County District Attorney records show from November 2015 to present, a total of 51 Human Trafficking cases filed. Of the 51 cases, 49 have been adjudicated with 43 convictions (88% conviction rate) and 6 dismissals. Twenty-four cases (about 50%) resulted in State prison sentences.
Solano County Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) Steering Committee is a countywide team of professionals consisting of Health and Social Services, Child Welfare Services (CWS) and Behavioral Health (BH); Law Enforcement; Board Supervisor; District Attorney; Solano County Office of Education (SCOE); and a host of Community Based Organizations who are committed to increasing awareness, supporting victims so they may be routed to appropriate services, and prosecuting and holding traffickers accountable.
ALTERNATIVES:
The Board may choose not to adopt and present the resolution. This is not recommended because this is an opportunity to raise awareness and promote community discussion regarding the prevention of human trafficking.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
The Solano County CSEC Committee endorses the resolution and activities planned throughout Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
CAO RECOMMENDATION:
APPROVE DEPARTMENTAL RECOMMENDATION