When most people hear about human trafficking, the first thing they think is that it doesn’t happen in our community. Maybe in foreign countries or poverty-stricken towns, they think. But not here. Not in Santa Rosa. Not in Rohnert Park.

The reality: It happens closer to home than you think.

Data indicate that Sonoma County law enforcement agencies have investigated human trafficking cases in Santa Rosa, Rohnert Park, Petaluma, Cotati and Windsor, and that more than 200 cases have been filed by the local District Attorney’s office since 2011. What’s more, according to Verity, a Santa Rosa rape crisis center and nonprofit that works to fight sexual abuse and assault, more than 40 percent of California’s human trafficking incidents overall happen in the Bay Area.

In this presentation, human trafficking survivors, SSU Student Elizabeth, and her friend Lisa, will be bringing awareness of trafficking in Sonoma County, the effects of human trafficking and sharing their stories of hope and survival. Please join us. Contact mo.phillips@sonoma.edu for questions.