Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: 01/09/2009

Contact person(s):

Media Coordinator, Theresa Menshek (707) 565-3099 Media Spokesperson, Assistant District Attorney Christine M. Cook

Santa Rosa, Sonoma County, California

HUMAN TRAFFICKING AWARENESS DAY PROCLAIMED IN SONOMA COUNTY

District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua announced today that the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors proclaimed January 11, 2009 as Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  This resolution was requested by the Commission on Human Rights & Commission on the Status of Women of the county's Human Resources Department, along with the Health and Human Services Departments, the Probation Department, the Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office.  It was also supported by our key community partners, including the YWCA and United Against Sexual Assault.  This proclamation allows Sonoma County to raise awareness on human trafficking, which is deemed modern-day slavery, and to help the vulnerable victims of these tragic crimes.

District Attorney Passalacqua stated, This is an important day, which serves to increase the public's awareness of these horrible crimes and to help us hold the perpetrators accountable and assist the victims affected.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Department is committed to protecting the lives and liberties of the people of Sonoma County.  We recognize that some of the most vulnerable in our community are victims of Human Trafficking, said Sheriff Bill Cogbill.

The Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office are active members of the North Bay Human Trafficking Task Force, a coalition consisting of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.  The task force provides a platform for members to share intelligence, and combine the efforts and resources necessary to combat human trafficking. 

On the importance of this awareness day, Commissioner Christina Brenner said, The Commission on the Status of Women is proud to take a leadership role in addressing a crime that takes advantage of the most vulnerable among us. Human trafficking is a term far too sanitized to describe the brutality imposed by its perpetrators.

Commissioner Judy Rice said, "It is only too easy to assume that Human Trafficking is a problem that thrives in other parts of the world.  In fact, it is a beast which stalks victims right here in Sonoma County.  The Commission on Human Rights is committed to working with key agencies and individuals throughout the County to raise awareness on this issue and to jointly use our available resources to fight this plague."

The Soroptimist International Clubs of Sonoma, Marin, and Mendocino counties are hosting an awareness event on Sunday, January 11th from 3:00-6:00 pm at Santa Rosa's Finley Community Center.

The event will feature a PBS documentary followed by a panel discussion on human trafficking.   Admission is free, but reservations are requested.  For more information go to their website at www.sisantarosa.org or call 707-996-7517.