Board proclaims January 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Month; advocates outline services

The Lake County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday adopted a proclamation designating January 2025 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

The proclamation cites global and state statistics and acknowledges local organizations that provide crisis intervention and survivor services, including the District Attorney’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, municipal police departments, local Pomo tribes and Lake Family Resource Center.

Kara Robertson, program coordinator for the Lake Family Resource Center’s human trafficking program, said her office and two advocates have provided more than 8,000 services in the last five years to residents dealing with trafficking and urged continued community support. "If anybody would like to reach out, we have our contact information there, and we can provide trainings as needed," Robertson said.

Supervisors thanked Lake Family Resource Center and victim advocates for their work. Supervisor Sabatier described recent conversations with victim advocates about federal VOCA funds and said the video materials shown to his administration-of-justice colleagues underscored the severity of trafficking crimes. Supervisor Rasmussen acknowledged a long-standing relationship with Lake Family Resource Center and commended its leadership.

The board signed and filed the proclamation, which urges residents and local entities to report suspicious activity to law enforcement and to support organizations assisting victims.

Ending County staff and advocates said they will continue community outreach, trainings and coordination with law enforcement and tribal partners.