Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Why It Matters and How Action Is Taking Shape in Orange County

Every January, communities across the nation observe Human Trafficking Prevention Month, a time dedicated to education, prevention, and action against one of the most pervasive human rights violations of our time. Human trafficking is a global crisis with devastating local consequences. According to the United Nations, an estimated 25 million people worldwide are trapped in forced labor or sex trafficking. Women and girls are disproportionately affected,representing 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors. In the United States, the problem remains deeply entrenched, with an estimated 403,000 people living in conditions of modern slavery, according to the Global Slavery Index.

While prosecution efforts have increased—federal trafficking prosecutions more than doubled from 805 in 2012 to 1,656 in 2022, and convictions rose from 578 to 1,118 over the same period (U.S. Department of Justice)—these numbers underscore both progress and the magnitude of the problem still ahead. 

The Local Reality: Human Trafficking in Orange County

Here in Orange County, the crisis mirrors national trends—with particularly alarming impacts on children. According to the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF), the Task Force responded to more than 250 human trafficking cases in the past year alone, involving both sex and labor exploitation. A significant number of those victims were young women and girls coerced into the commercial sex trade within the county.

🚨 Children are now the fastest-growing group of trafficking victims in Orange County. A recent OCHTTF report reveals that half of all identified local trafficking victims are under the age of 18, with some victims as young as six years old. The average age of a trafficked minor is just 14, and the proportion of minor victims has surged from 36% to 50%, primarily driven by the rapid rise of online grooming and sextortion.

These statistics make one reality clear: prevention must start early, be intentional, and involve the entire community.

Prevention Through Education and Engagement

During Human Trafficking Prevention Month, prevention efforts move beyond awareness into community engagement. On January 22, Global Hope 365 will participate in the OC Human Trafficking Task Force’s annual Know More. Do Better. Human Trafficking Prevention Conference at Vanguard University.

This year, more than 800 Orange County students from multiple school districts attended—learning how trafficking happens, how to recognize risk factors, and how to protect themselves and others. For the fourth year in a row, Global Hope 365 engaged directly with students and educators through an exhibit table, reinforcing that prevention starts with informed communities.

Recognizing Prevention Efforts at the Local Level

Human Trafficking Prevention Month also brings opportunities to acknowledge leadership and commitment. On January 12, Global Hope 365 will be honored by Mayor Larry Agran at Irvine City Hall for the organization’s ongoing work in prevention. This recognition highlights the importance of local collaboration in keeping children and vulnerable individuals safe.

Continuing this momentum, on January 27, Global Hope 365 will receive a signed resolution from the Orange County Board of Supervisors, formally recognizing January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This resolution reflects a shared commitment to education, prevention, and community-based solutions, and reinforces that prevention must remain a priority.

Why Human Trafficking Prevention Month Matters

Human Trafficking Prevention Month serves as a reminder that awareness alone isn’t enough—prevention must be intentional and sustained. Traffickers often exploit vulnerabilities such as homelessness, isolation, lack of awareness, and online access, making education and community engagement essential tools in combating exploitation.

Events, conferences, and official recognitions like those taking place throughout Orange County this month demonstrate how proactive, prevention-focused efforts can create meaningful impact. When communities invest in education, protection, and collaboration, exploitation can be identified earlier—and prevented altogether.

Looking Ahead

As January shines a spotlight on human trafficking prevention, the work continues well beyond this month. From educating hundreds of students to receiving civic recognition from city and county leaders, Global Hope 365’s efforts reflect a broader movement toward proactive prevention and community resilience.

By continuing to partner with organizations like the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force, engaging youth, and advocating for prevention at the civic level, Global Hope 365 remains committed to protecting children, strengthening communities, and ensuring prevention stays at the forefront of the fight against human trafficking.

Join the Fight Against Human Trafficking. Your involvement can significantly impact the lives of those affected by human trafficking. Every action, whether through donations, advocacy, or volunteer work, contributes to the fight against this global scourge.

Visit our website to learn more about our work and how you can contribute to a world free from human trafficking and child marriage. Your support can change lives and create a brighter, more equitable future for women and girls everywhere.

By becoming a monthly donor, you can contribute to these crucial efforts. Even a $15 monthly donation can help fund resources for advocacy, prevention programs, and protective measures for at-risk youth. To join the fight against child exploitation, please consider donating:

Visit Global Hope 365Or send a check to:

Global Hope 365335 Centennial Way, Suite 200Tustin, CA 92780

Together, we can help create a safer world for children, free from the horrors of sextortion, trafficking, and exploitation. Join Global Hope 365 in protecting vulnerable young lives and building a future where every child can grow up safe.

Donate: https://www.globalhope365.org/donations

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