Tucson, Arizona (KGUN) — Last year, 36 children were reported to have been sex trafficked in Pima County. Advocates fighting sex trafficking say the problem is a lack of resources, so we learned how local organizations can join forces and contribute.
In 2022, 46 cases of child sex trafficking were reported in southern Arizona, according to data from. mercy care.
Dominique Roe-Sepowitz is a principal investigator of sex trafficking at Arizona State University. She said traffickers use online advertising.
“There is not much law enforcement or community action to prevent sex trafficking. We saw 348 ads in 24 hours here in Pima County.”
Sepowitz’s research shows that more resources are needed for victims of sex trafficking. She set up a sex trafficking hotline (1-877-4AZ-TIPS). The Hotline is headed by survivor Tanya Alegria.
“I’m a survivor myself, so if you have questions or don’t want to talk to law enforcement yet, you can talk to someone who can relate to your experience,” Alegria said.
From her experience working for behavioral health, Alegria has seen firsthand how victim stigma is often misunderstood.
“It’s manipulation, it’s control, it’s all these things. And you reflect on what’s happening to you. And you can reflect on it. and busy just trying to live the next day.
Sixth District Councilor Steve Kozaczyk has been active in redefining who should be considered a victim. He said sex trafficking is often mistaken for self-exploitation and prostitution.
“Through this forum here today, we hope to raise the profile of this issue at both the city and local levels so that victims can receive the attention they deserve under the law.” said Kozatik.
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