Pierce County proclaims January 2026 Human Trafficking and Slavery Awareness and Prevention Month

The Pierce County Council and County Executive on Tuesday declared January 2026 Human Trafficking and Slavery Awareness and Prevention Month, then welcomed local nonprofits, tribal advocates and law enforcement to describe prevention and survivor services across the county.

The proclamation — read by Council member Kruger — noted federal and state anti‑trafficking laws and urged coordinated local action. Speakers at the podium and online described crisis services, outreach and training and urged stronger county‑tribal cooperation.

"We create pathways out of homelessness, addiction, human trafficking, and domestic violence through partnerships with law enforcement," said Christine Moreland, founder and executive director of The More We Love, describing a 24‑hour crisis line and a Renton crisis center that accepts regional referrals. Moreland said outreach teams are responding to trafficking in downtown areas and that the organization is taking a regional approach to shelter and advocacy.

Carolyn Deford, an anti‑trafficking program manager for the Puyallup Tribe, told the council that Native people face disproportionate rates of violence and exploitation and urged continued county‑tribal collaboration and survivor‑centered responses. "This issue is connected to MMIWP," she said, linking trafficking to the missing and murdered Indigenous women and people crisis.

Christine Gilje of Compassion Washington described training and a proposed STEP project to engage volunteers and fans during the World Cup, and said the group will post training materials online beginning Jan. 30. "This is a time for us to mobilize as a community," Gilje said.

Rusty Wilder, chief of operations for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, thanked partners and said the sheriff’s office will prioritize trafficking investigations despite staffing shortages, adding that law enforcement depends on community partnerships.

Council members thanked presenters and planned follow‑up work: Council member Kruger said she has asked the chair of the safety committee to hold a workshop on human‑trafficking preparedness and outreach ahead of the World Cup. The proclamation encourages residents and organizations to engage in education, prevention and survivor support.