Human Trafficking Awareness Month sees local training, online tips

This month, Santa Clarita community members plan to raise awareness about the vulnerable community of human trafficking victims through social media and tabling at events.

In honor of January being named Human Trafficking Awareness Month, local organizations such as ZOE International are tweeting facts about the phenomenon and planning to host training sessions in the hopes of raising awareness.

Ester Yu, the assistant western USA regional director for ZOE International, said human trafficking happens often, sometimes right under people’s noses, and ZOE has been tweeting and posting about tips for spotting victims.

On Jan. 19, it plans to host a Human Trafficking and Engaging CSEC Training at its headquarters for those interested in learning about trafficking and working to help sexually exploited children.

On Jan. 26, it also will host a My Gen My Fight Leaders meeting on College of the Canyons’ website, mobilizing high school and college students to raise awareness about the trafficking.

Victims of all ages are exploited, with an average age of entry into prostitution at 13 years old, and they often have very nice clothes, jewelry and accessories that don't seem to fit their age.

They also may be hostile, closed off and have difficulty managing moods, according to facts gathered by the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, said Larry Schallert, assistant director of COC's Student Health & Wellness Center.

Schallert is also member of a task force at College of the Canyons to talk about ways to raise awareness about human trafficking year-round.

The task force often invites organizations such as Journey Out, Saving Innocence, the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Human Trafficking to speak as well, and is brainstorming ideas this month to talk more in the community about human trafficking, Schallert said.

It could be happening right now, and you’d likely not even know, said Jason Plunkett, a psychologist and the United States director for ZOE International. He said there may be an individual walking down the street in Santa Clarita and the passers-by may think that they had a choice to enter the life, but often, the victims don’t.

“Over 100 countries have defined (human trafficking) as an issue and are putting together task forces to address the millions of victims that are identified every year,” Plunkett said.

Thus, Yu said, there will be more events coming in February to raise more awareness about the issue.

ZOE International is on 24337 Main St. in Newhall.