Open Door Network raises awareness of human trafficking ‘right in our own backyard’
Guests were greeted by mannequins with their mouths taped and signs draped over them saying “not for sale” and “stop human trafficking” at an Open Door Network event on Union Avenue on Thursday to kick off Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
The Open Door Network is a nonprofit organization that provides homeless and victim services with shelters and support resources throughout Kern County. Lauren Skidmore, the organization’s CEO, said human trafficking is not something anyone should have to experience.
“It’s not something that we need to pretend is happening somewhere else. It’s something that we need to be aware can happen to any of us at any time,” Skidmore said at the event outside Open Door Network’s Workforce Development and Housing Department building.
Skidmore said human trafficking is common in the Central Valley because it is a throughway between the Bay Area and Los Angeles, as well as ports, airports and train stations.
“We are a common location because of just how quiet the community seems to be,” Skidmore said.
Odessa Perkins is a survivor of human trafficking, sexual assault and domestic violence and is now a counselor at Ridgeview High School. She used to work at Bakersfield High School, which is near where Perkins’ trafficker used to drop her off when she was growing up.
Perkins said her trafficker was her mother and she was a victim of familial trafficking.
“Unfortunately, people are not understanding that it’s happening right in our own backyard,” Perkins said.
Dozens of people attended the event including speakers Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh, Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer and an
assistant special agent in charge from the Department of Homeland Security, Michael Ciapas.
Zimmer said during her speech that human trafficking is a relatively new crime of about 10 years. She said it replaced a crime that was called pimping and pandering.
Ciapas said the Human Trafficking Task Force has adopted a victim-centered approach in its investigations to support victims and to minimize trauma.
Zimmer said human trafficking is not only happening on the streets of Kern County; it is now more prevalent online.
“The amount of cases that we have, however, do not duly represent the amount of trafficking that goes on in this community and we all need to do a better job,” Zimmer said.
Goh said combating human trafficking requires a comprehensive approach, starting with partnership and participation in recognizing this public health issue.
“Human trafficking is an abomination that together we must abolish,” Goh said. “It’s going to take all of us activating together to unlock freedom for our victims.”
Zimmer said she strives to put everyone who is involved in human trafficking cases in prison, but she also had a message for victims of human trafficking.
“Please do not give up hope. You’re in a position, it’s not your fault you’re there. We can help you, we want to help you. There are people in this community that will help you get out of that life,” Zimmer said.
Perkins also had a similar message to victims.
“No matter what your circumstance is, you can get through it. Your pain is going to be your purpose,” Perkins said.
Perkins also said the public should be aware of human trafficking throughout the year and beyond.
“Just because January is the kickoff, January is not the only month that human trafficking happens,” Perkins said. “We have to keep the momentum going.”