Supervisors proclaim January human trafficking awareness month

​SANTA CLARA COUNTY, CA—Today the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors proclaimed the month of January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

Commenting on the Board action Supervisor Cindy Chavez said, "Human trafficking is modern day slavery, and I am proud of the Board for raising awareness of this appalling and immoral practice."

Over 17,000 people are believed to be trafficked into the United States every year from other countries. Further, it is estimated that 100,000 US citizens under the age of 18 and countless US adults are victims of this modern day slavery. 80% of victims are believed to be women and girls. Unfortunately, the Bay Area is a top destination point for trafficked victims.

Since 2005 the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking in collaboration with the County of Santa Clara has provided crisis intervention, emergency shelter, financial support and other services to more than 100 survivors of human trafficking.

Board President Wasserman and Supervisor Chavez presenting proclamation to members of the South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking and the YWCA of Silicon Valley. ​​