Other Resources
Human Trafficking Resources
Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological, and may involve the use of violence, threats, lies, or debt bondage. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of force, fraud, or coercion was used. Human trafficking does not require travel or transportation of the victim across local, state, or international borders. What is Human Trafficking? | State of California - Department of Justice - Office of the Attorney General
In September 2022 Love Never Fails (www.loveneverfailus.com) conducted a preliminary assessment of EPA's human trafficking risks. In just one hour of searching 32 online ads were identified. In addition concerned community members came forward with specific reports of trafficking areas.
The result of these findings was the formation of a city wide coalition, EPAC (East Palo Alto Against Human Trafficking Coalition) and the development of a human trafficking response and prevention strategy with the goal of protecting all city residents.
EPAC's response and prevention strategy is informed by the vulnerability of EPA's residents. We recognize that human traffickers prey on impoverished communities. In EPA approximately 11.4% or 3888* of the community are living below the poverty line. Additionally, 60%* of EPA's residents are not homeowners and may experience severe rent burden as a result of the rising cost of real estate in San Mateo County. Traffickers also prey on the undocumented. Over 30% of EPA residents are undocumented and although EPA is a sanctuary city many residents are unaware. Lastly, Traffickers prey on BIPOC (Black Indigenous People of Color) people, especially those who have experienced generational trauma and systematic oppression. Because EPA's residents are 60.6%* Latinx and 12.1%* Black the coalition is intentional in reaching these communities as well as the Polynesian community. *US Census 2021 - U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts: East Palo Alto city, California andEast Palo Alto, CA | Data USA
EPAC Response and Prevention Strategy
The three pronged strategy includes the following:
Community Awareness
We have activated 5 Bus Shelter Ads and distributed door hangers to 5000 homes.
Public Safety
We have hired a Public Safety Survivor Advocate who will be the safe liaison between Community Members, Law Enforcement, City Officials, School Staff, and County resources and be responsible for bringing safety to those impacted by human trafficking. To reach the Public Safety Survivor Advocate contact hannah@loveneverfailsus.com
Education
We have educated over 825 members of the faith community at St. Francis Assisi and St. Samuel COGIC.
In 2022 EPA City Council approved a mandate to train all staff on human trafficking and issued a proclamation against human trafficking
If you are interested in participating in EPAC contact hannah@loveneverfailsus.com or 844-249-2698. We meet every 2nd and 4th Tuesday from 7-8pm.
To anonymously report human trafficking contact the National Human Trafficking Awareness Hotline at 888-373-7888.
To receive help 24x7 contact the confidential SF Bay Area Human Trafficking Hotline at 415-907-9911
