To shed light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking, Coconino County has designated January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In a proclamation issued by the Coconino County Board of Supervisors on January 9, 2024, officials underscored that, whether in the form of labor or commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking is a blight that must be addressed.
Human trafficking is not just a distant problem, but a local one affecting communities and individuals across Arizona. In 2021 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline cited 240 situations of trafficking within the state. With the estimate that this illicit trade nets $150 billion globally, including an alarming $99 billion from forced sexual exploitation, the figures remind us of both its scope and the imperative to combat it.
To this end, the Coconino County Attorney's Office has inaugurated a specialized Human Trafficking Unit, aimed at bolstering efforts in prosecution and raising public awareness. Deputy County Attorney Sasha Charls is at the helm of the initiative, leading a coordinated stance with partners like the Flagstaff Initiative Against Trafficking, Northland Family Help Center, and local law enforcement.
The newly minted unit has its work cut out, operating in a state where human trafficking cases are unfortunately not uncommon. Through their combined education, training, and advocacy, these organizations are looking to not only disrupt trafficking networks but also provide a lifeline to those ensnared in these oppressive situations, officials said in a report issued last year.
To learn more about the work being done to combat human trafficking in Coconino County and the resources available to those in need, visit the county's official website.
