Politics & Government

City Of Las Vegas: Breaking The Cycle Of Sex Trafficking In Las Vegas

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Press Release Desk, News Partner
(City of Las Vegas)

Press release from the City of Las Vegas:

Jan 11, 2022

There are estimated to be more than 24.9 million people, adults and children, subjected to human trafficking around the world, including the United States.  Sadly, Nevada ranks ninth in the nation for human trafficking.

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To help, Las Vegas Fire & Rescue personnel are undergoing mandatory one hour training to better support and identify sex trafficking victims. The training has already begun and will continue throughout the year. In 2019, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified 139 cases involving adult victims of human trafficking and 116 victims who are minors. Many times, the first call for help comes into Las Vegas Fire and Rescue dispatch requesting medical attention. Read more about their training here.

Many other organizations in the community are working daily to support individuals who have been impacted by this issue, often on a 24/7 basis to meet the myriad needs of clients.

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Food, housing, shelter, education, transportation, legal assistance, tattoo removal, career training, childcare – all of these are services that individuals who have been exploited may need once they are able and ready to come forward to get assistance.

Some important data to be aware of:

  • The most common risk factors for children to be exploited are: having experienced prior sexual abuse; having spent time in foster care; and being in situations where they have run away from home or have unstable housing. (Shared Hope International)
  • According to Shared Hope International, the top five places in which children are first groomed and recruited into trafficking situations: 1. Their own social networks 2. Their home neighborhood 3. Clubs or bars 4. The internet 5. At school

    • Here are four ways to can help support ending sex trafficking in our community:

  • Get involved as a volunteer for one of the many organizations that help sex trafficking victims in our community
  • Become an advocate – attend advocate training to learn how you can get involved in both policy and individual advocacy to support the work of the partner agencies
  • Be aware – if you have concerns that someone you are in contact with may be being trafficked, reach out through the National Human Trafficking Hotline – 888-373-7888
  • Follow agencies like Signs of HOPE, The Shade Tree, The Cupcake Girls, Safe House, The Embracing Project, Dress for Success Southern Nevada, Olive Crest and Juvenile Justice Impact and others on social media to stay up to date on how you can help  

    • This press release was produced by the City of Las Vegas. The views expressed here are the author’s own.

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