Texas' First Lady Cecilia Abbott has made a call for unity this week, as the state observes a dedicated Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking. The initiative, which is part of the Governor's Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) effort, spans from January 5 through January 11, coinciding with Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The First Lady, in unity with multiple faith communities, urges Texans to engage in prayer and action to safeguard those vulnerable to human exploitation, according to a recent statement.
"Nothing is stronger than Texans standing together through prayer and action," stated Cecilia Abbott, emphasizing the collective power of the Texan spirit as per the Office of the Texas Governor website. Abbot's sentiment is supported by activities throughout the week that call for increased awareness and proactive steps in the community. Texans are invited to reflect on daily prayer intentions, with each day focusing on a different aspect of the human trafficking crisis, from justice for exploiters to healing for victims.
Alongside the First Lady, Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) Commissioner Audrey O'Neill and DFPS Director of Human Trafficking Blanca Lance have invited participation via video messages. They underlined the importance of community involvement and education in the fight against human trafficking. No details were spared as they talked about 2026's Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month guide, which includes a compendium of resources for community action and prevention.
Each day of the prayer week has a designated theme, ranging from Monday's intention for justice and exposure of traffickers, to Tuesday's focus on community awareness, as noted by the State of Texas government website. The intentions culminate on Sunday, with individual reflection on personal contributions to the cause.
