For another year, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVAHT) has joined forces with several other local organizations for their 8th annual Pledge to Stop Human Trafficking. This collaborative event allows the community to donate to the cause allowing the agencies to continue serve identified survivors.
This year $5,295.51 was raised, and these funds will help with many things including shelter, food, medical expense, personal hygiene and more.
Human trafficking is a significant issue in the Central Valley, and initiatives like the Pledge to Stop Human Trafficking play a crucial role in addressing it. The Central Valley serves as a hub for trafficking due to its strategic location along transportation routes, high poverty rates, and its diverse population.
The CVAHT program manager Amber Secundino serves as the co-chair on the Pledge to Stop Human Trafficking board.
“I understand that no single agency can truly eradicate trafficking on their own, and only by working collaboratively, can we truly address this heinous crime impacting the central valley,” says Secundino.
Many local organizations participate, including Breaking the Chains, who founded the event, along with Central Valley Justice Coalition, Centro La Familia, Mollie’s House, and others. Support also comes from local law enforcement agencies such as the Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, and the Clovis Police Department.
Together they make a real difference by raising awareness about the issue and providing vital support to survivors. They offer resources such as shelter, medical care, and counseling to those who have been trafficked, helping them step into their own power and end the cycle of exploitation.
By bringing together local organizations, law enforcement agencies, and community members, these programs create a united front against trafficking. They educate individuals to recognize the signs of trafficking and take action to prevent it in their communities.
In the Central Valley, where trafficking disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, the efforts of programs like these are particularly impactful. They provide hope and support to survivors and work towards a future where human trafficking is eradicated.