OPINION – Survivors of human trafficking are among the most resilient people we’ve ever met. Every day, across California, they are rebuilding their lives in the aftermath of abuse and finding stability after years of trauma. This type of recovery takes time and support. But healing is only possible when there’s a true safety net in place; unfortunately, this safety net too often hangs by a thread.
Since 2016, the Human Trafficking Victim Assistance Program (HTVAP) has funded life-saving services across the state. Last year alone, it helped nearly 5,000 survivors, more than 2,100 of which were minors and young adults under the age of 25. And 88% were people of color. Without proper funding, these are the Californians we risk leaving behind.
As lawmakers in Sacramento increase their focus on human trafficking, we’re urging those in charge to focus on what really matters: survivor support and real recovery. These individuals have already had their lives hang in the balance, with their needs and desires pushed aside. California cannot and should not perpetuate these abuses by arguing about punishments instead of services. At WEAVE in Sacramento and at Cast in Los Angeles, we’ve spent decades working alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives…