Local, state and provincial leaders will hold a panel discussing anti-trafficking efforts

TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) – Community leaders gathered Tuesday in Tucson for the “Southern Arizona Human Trafficking Collaborative,” a panel discussion aimed at protecting and supporting young victims of human trafficking.

The effort is being made through the following organizations:

• Grace care
• Child Recovery Center
• Southern Arizona Child Advocacy Center
• Tucson Police Department
• Arizona Department of Child Safety

The event brought together nearly 100 people, including representatives from state, county and local organizations, to address the pressing issue of child trafficking in Arizona and the progress they have made.
According to the organization World’s Children, children make up 27% of all victims of human trafficking, making this joint event particularly relevant.

The morning focused on sharing the progress of various agencies working to combat human trafficking networks and support the recovery of young victims.

Congressional candidate Kirsten Engel, who attended the event, emphasized the need for effective programs to prevent human trafficking and help victims. “They are the most vulnerable and have the least ability to defend themselves,” Engel said. “So it has to be us who come and develop programs to prevent this and protect them. Also helping them move forward; that was also a big focus.”

The panel discussion concluded with the symbolic release of doves, which represented hope and new beginnings for those affected by child trafficking.