County symposium urges awareness as human trafficking 'happens every day'

Martha Guzman Hurtado introduced coverage of the seventh annual human trafficking symposium in Ontario, saying, "Human trafficking happens every day, often in silence, impacting our most vulnerable populations." Organizers and speakers at the event focused on prevention, education and partnership between law enforcement, nonprofits and young people.

An unidentified symposium speaker described the conference as a place to "bring together county and community partners to address human trafficking" and noted efforts to raise awareness during National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Organizers said the goal was to "activate the community" so residents are empowered to recognize and report trafficking.

Youth participants described concrete takeaways from the symposium. One youth said the event taught them about gang violence, rights and what police can do; another said it helped them learn how to "keep myself safe and others safer." An unidentified speaker emphasized the need for outreach because "a lot of our youth don't see law enforcement as allies," and said direct interaction at the symposium helps break down barriers.

Speakers stressed prevention work, information-sharing and equipping young people with knowledge. One participant warned bluntly that "Traffickers wanna go after the young, the vulnerable, the naive," urging continued education and coordination among agencies and community groups.

Organizers pointed attendees to local resources, including the San Bernardino Coalition Against Exploitation and the Children's Network website (cn.sbcounty.gov), for more information and reporting options. The program framed the symposium as part of a broader county effort to identify at-risk populations and improve community-based responses.