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Published on January 11, 2025
Mayor Vows Zero Tolerance on Trafficking: Denver Rallies on Awareness Day to Combat Modern Slavery MenaceSource: City and County of Denver

Marking National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, Denver's city officials, including Mayor Mike Johnston and local law enforcement, have stepped up to reaffirm their commitment to dismantling human trafficking networks and supporting victims. According to the City and County of Denver, Mayor Johnston asserts, "Human trafficking will not be tolerated in Denver." He stresses the importance of prosecuting traffickers and upholding the dignity and freedom of all Denver citizens.

Contrary to the more sensationalist myths, human trafficking often arises not from random abductions, but from manipulative relationships where force, fraud, or coercion are exerted by someone the victim usually knows. The Polaris Project notes that traffickers frequently employ psychological tactics such as deception or threats to obtain forced labor or commercial sex. While focusing on the victim's relationship with the trafficker, it's explained that romantic partners or family members are often the perpetrators.

The seriousness of this issue is underscored by the dedication of the Denver District Attorney's Office, which boasts a Human Trafficking Unit responsible for prosecuting over 100 cases. As detailed by the City and County of Denver, District Attorney McCann shared a personal catalyst for her commitment, "Fighting human trafficking is a passion of mine that started when I was a Deputy District Attorney." She further details the collaborative efforts in Denver that fortify the battle against traffickers and lend support to victims.

With its tendency to stay hidden and underreported, labor trafficking often affects foreign nationals coerced into unsafe work environments by traffickers who withhold critical documents and may threaten harm or deportation. Promising victims money but failing to pay them, traffickers keep their victims in bondage, the Denver Police Department's specialized unit works tirelessly to address these crimes and support survivors, as explained by Police Chief Ron Thomas. "The DPD teams works to remove survivors from the grip of abusers, while connecting them with resources, and holding offenders accountable," he said, as per the City and County of Denver.