I encourage us all to avail ourselves of this training so we can help to identify possible trafficking cases.
In 2021, 651 contacts concerning possible trafficking were received from Arizona, 240 contacts came from victims or survivors of trafficking. Two hundred seventeen cases were identified, involving 337 victims. In fact, Arizona ranks No. 13 in terms of the number of trafficking cases and No. 12 for the number of victims. This crime takes place in cities and small towns, rural and urban areas – even cities such as Flagstaff.
According to data from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith, and Family, while the average age of entry into sex trafficking for youth in the U.S. is 17, it is 13 for youth in Arizona. Traffickers routinely target at-risk and vulnerable individuals. Forms of violence (child abuse, domestic violence, community and gang violence, as well as unstable living arrangements and lack of support systems, can leave youth and adults vulnerable to potential traffickers. While traffickers can use coercion such as personal threats of physical harm to the individual or their family members, they will also take advantage of and manipulate individuals with substance use issues, lack of identification documents and financial or housing problems.
According to the AATN, “Human trafficking is often confused with human smuggling, which involves illegal border crossings. In fact, the crime of human trafficking does not require any movement whatsoever. Survivors can be recruited and trafficked in their own hometowns, even their own homes.”
People I speak to about this are often surprised that there are victims of trafficking in Flagstaff. This is why I have encouraged city leadership to ensure every city employee receives CEASE training. It was last reported that about one-third of city employees have completed the training. The Flagstaff Police Department has received more in-depth training, both in person and online.
Training is available to local businesses and their employees through AATN and their local partners at Northland (NFHC). Michelle Rucker is the new Director of Human Trafficking Services at Northland; her former job was with CEASE. Michelle can help local businesses create resources as simple as a flyer with helpful tips about how to spot someone who is potentially being trafficked, or more in-depth training.
I encourage us all to avail ourselves of this training so we can help to identify possible trafficking cases. The more help available to the most vulnerable in our community, the less likely they will be victimized. The more we know about human trafficking in our community, the fewer people who will be able to get away with this criminal activity. FBN
By Becky Daggett
Northland Family Help Center 928-527-1900 NorthlandFamily.org
Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network 844-400-2286 AATN.org
Becky Daggett is the mayor of Flagstaff.