Caddo Parish Commission proclaims January Human Trafficking Awareness Month, highlights survivor support
Loading...
Summary
After public testimony, the commission advanced and carried a resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month; speakers urged community education and survivor services, and a community breakfast with a survivor speaker was announced for Jan. 23.
The Caddo Parish Commission advanced and carried a special resolution recognizing January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month after public testimony from an advocate and comments by multiple commissioners.
Advocate Heather Buscher, appearing on behalf of the Free Coalition, urged the commission to confront human trafficking and invited commissioners to a Jan. 23 breakfast that will include a survivor speaker. "It is imperative that we acknowledge its presence and works and work towards effective solutions," Buscher said.
Commissioner Grace Ann Blake, a co-sponsor, described the issue as "an uncomfortable conversation" that nonetheless "happens every single day right here in our community." Commissioners said outreach, business partnerships (for posting help information), and survivor services were priorities. Several commissioners asked to be added as sponsors of related proclamations and observances.
The commission moved the resolution in-globo with other routine items and recorded the vote as carried with 12 in support and none opposed. Commissioners asked administration and advocates to collaborate on outreach and public-information materials, including distribution of existing flyers and the 2-1-1 resource number for immediate assistance.
