Do you know that human trafficking is a real and dangerous threat in Sonoma County? Most people I've talked with on the subject matter of my new book in progress, a fictional work, based on this and other taboo subjects within our current climate in Northern California, tend to express shock, horror and incredulity that such a terrible concept exists at our bucolic doorstep.
The misconception is that human trafficking is something that happens to unfortunate, poor people, particularly young women, from third world countries, smuggled into the United States and held against their will in urban areas outside of our own comfort zone.
Human trafficking is actually the purchase of any human for sale. And this is not exclusive to the sex trade. People of all ages from all sorts of backgrounds and destinations, including those much closer to home are routinely sold into into housework, farmwork, construction, factory, retail and restaurant work.
Children as young as 12 years old are at risk of being stalked and groomed (increasingly on social media) for any manner of vulnerabilities and forced into all sorts of activity they cannot leave. Malls are a big issue, also.
It is a modern day slavery that frequently supersedes an outdated notion of prostitution, particularly when we're talking about at risk youth.
Here in the south county of Sonoma County, Petaluma Police Department's outstanding work in this critical arena over the past five years has fast developed into a networking with multiple tireless and tenacious agencies to identify and provide safe haven and rehabilitation for victims without them being in trouble with the law.
Sonoma County's Human Trafficking Task Force, established in 2007 was one of the first in the state of California and sets an example to surrounding regions as to how absolutely vital it is to raise awareness of such a sinister reality.
A no-holds barred free movie on the subject of Human Trafficking was followed by an audience question and answer with an impressive panel of experts at the Mystic Theatre in downtown Petaluma, this January 10th, 2018.
Guest speakers included representatives from Verity, MentorMe Petaluma, Sonoma Advocates for Youth, Polly Klass Foundation, Crossing the Jordan, Petaluma Police Department and Sonoma County's District Attorney's Office.
Much as I enjoy writing about food and wine and the rich farming heritage of our beautiful region, there is an indisputably dark side to the agricultural outer reaches of Northern California. I have to say, at this stage into my own investigative reporting, I am gratified to learn of the outstanding services made up of individuals such as the people on this panel, searching out, protecting and helping the most at risk.
The most important thing I took away from the evening was that if you or I, someone in our family, a coworker, classmate or friend has concerns that something like this may be happening to someone we know or take notice of, don't wait, call the police. From there, this person, or group of people will be placed in the care of the essential services listed above.
Warning signs to look out for:
Signs of physical abuse, burn marks, bruises, cuts
Inappropriate dress
Sexualized behavior
Overly tired in class
Withdrawn, depressed or distracted
Brags about having or making lots of money
Expensive new clothes, accessories, shoes
New Tattoo (branding — names, symbols, money or bar codes)
Older boyfriend or girlfriend or new friends of different lifestyle
Talks about wild parties/invites other students
Signs of gang affiliation
It's not unusual for these services to provide new identities, travel visas, safe passage if necessary.
Two more of these informative events are planned in the area in the next few weeks: Casa Grande High School, Petaluma, Feb 7th, 2018 6.30 to 8.30pm and Petaluma Public Library, February 21st, 2018 7pm to 9pm. (Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian).
The more we use the term Human Trafficking, the more we will come together as a community to protect our young people, in particular. It's not a class issue or a broken home issue, it's something that can happen to anyone.
To report a tip or connect with anti-trafficking services in your area, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline 1 888 373 7888.
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