Logo courtesy of Empower Yolo

YOLO COUNTY, CA (MPG) - Human trafficking is not a distant issue – it is present in Yolo County and affects individuals across our cities, towns and rural areas. While trafficking is often associated with large metropolitan regions, smaller counties like ours face unique vulnerabilities. Agricultural labor, seasonal employment, housing instability and limited access to services in rural areas can all increase the risk of exploitation. Because trafficking here often does not match common stereotypes, it can remain hidden in plain sight, making community awareness and local response essential.

Human trafficking is the exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for labor or commercial sex and frequently relies on manipulation rather than physical restraint. Young people experiencing instability are especially vulnerable. Youth who run away from home, experience family conflict, or lack consistent adult support may be targeted by traffickers who exploit unmet emotional and basic needs. Immigrant and migrant populations may also face increased risk due to language barriers, isolation or fear of retaliation. These vulnerabilities are not individual failures – they are systemic gaps that traffickers exploit.

Empower Yolo provides services for survivors of human trafficking, including 24-hour crisis intervention, advocacy, counseling, safe shelter, housing assistance, accompaniment services and more. The agency’s designated human trafficking advocate provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed and culturally responsive support for survivors.

Empower Yolo’s anti-trafficking work centers on meeting people where they are and responding with consistency, compassion and advocacy. Last year alone, Empower Yolo supported 35 survivors of human trafficking – 26 who experienced sex trafficking and six who experienced labor trafficking. One example involves a 15-year-old survivor of human trafficking, also referred to as commercial sexual exploitation, who ran away from home and endured significant exploitation and violence. During this traumatic period, Empower Yolo provided consistent emotional support, helping to process her experiences while honoring her autonomy and ability to make decisions about their safety while building trust, supporting stabilization and fostering empowerment.

Jen Vasquez, Empower Yolo’s Anti-Trafficking Advocate, worked closely with the youth throughout her healing journey.

“Being alongside her during the sexual assault exam and interview was about making sure she never felt alone or powerless in spaces that can feel overwhelming. My role was to help her understand what was happening, support her choices, and remind her that she had control over her own story and healing,” said Vasquez. “She showed incredible strength in surviving what no person should ever experience. My role was to stand beside her – to remind her that she mattered, that her voice mattered, and that she deserved safety and care. Watching her begin to rebuild her life has been a powerful reminder of why survivor-centered support is so important.”

This strength-based approach recognizes survivors not by what happened to them, but by their resilience and capacity for healing. Healing is not linear, but with consistent support and trusted relationships, survivors can reclaim stability, hope and self-determination.

Building community awareness and response is a critical part of preventing human trafficking and supporting survivors in Yolo County. In recognition of Anti-Trafficking Awareness Month, Empower Yolo and Soroptimist International of Davis are partnering to host a series of events focused on education, prevention and community connection.

On Wednesday, Jan. 28, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., Empower Yolo will host a Trafficking Awareness Forum & Community Event, bringing together advocates, survivors and trusted leaders from across Yolo County to discuss how trafficking occurs locally, who is vulnerable and how community members can help. The forum will include both a youth-focused presentation from 3Strands Global and an adult-focused presentation from Yolo County District Attorney’s investigator Mat Jameson.

“Through these presentations, participants will learn to recognize the signs of trafficking, identify red flags, and understand how to support friends or family who may be impacted – strengthening awareness and care across Yolo County,” said Jameson.

At the event, community members will also have access to local resources and information on how to support survivors, get involved in prevention efforts and explore volunteer opportunities with organizations working to address trafficking in Yolo County.

“Hosting this anti-trafficking event reflects the strength of our community when we come together with a shared purpose,” said Sonia Jimenez, Associate Director of Empower Yolo. “Each person who engages in these conversations helps expand awareness, reinforce prevention, and strengthen our collective commitment to protecting those most at risk.”

Sunday, Jan. 11, is Wear Blue Day. Wear blue, the color of human trafficking awareness, to show your support; post a photo with #WearBlueDay and tag @empower_yolo. You can also support survivors by donating to Empower Yolo’s human trafficking program at any time at empoweryolo.org. Follow our efforts throughout the month on Facebook @empoweryolo, Instagram, and Twitter @empower_yolo.

Each January, Soroptimist and Empower Yolo host a toiletry drive for human trafficking survivors. Donate new, travel-size toiletries, gift cards, snacks, sweatpants or comfort items. Donations can be dropped off at 175 Walnut St. in Woodland, 441 D St. in Davis, or brought to the Jan. 28 event. Donated items will be made into comfort backpacks for survivors through Empower Yolo.

For more information on human trafficking, contact Jen Vasquez, Anti-Human Trafficking Advocate at [email protected], or call our 24-hour crisis line for support at 530662-1133. All services are free, safe, and confidential.

Celina Alveraz is the Executive Director of Empower Yolo.