San Marcos spotlights human-trafficking response; nonprofits outline survivor services and outreach

The San Marcos City Council marked Human Trafficking Awareness Month and heard presentations from local nonprofits that said they provide prevention, intervention and survivor supports across North County.

Representatives from One Safe Place told the council the center has served more than 10,000 individuals, of whom more than 3,000 were children who experienced various victimizations including human trafficking. "These are some of the most vulnerable individuals," one presenter said, urging schools and social-service partners to refer youth showing signs of exploitation.

Lisa Islas, CEO of Lifeline Community Services, said Lifeline serves more than 25,000 people each year and has been working on trafficking prevention and intervention for more than a decade. "On average it takes a survivor 7 attempts to break free from exploitation," Islas said, outlining Project Life services that help survivors recover identification documents, rebuild credit and find employment pathways.

Other presenters described outreach to businesses, hotels and massage parlors, and community engagement events such as walks and Comic-Con outreach. Theresa Cisneros Remington urged the business community to place resource links on their websites and noted the national human-trafficking hotline (888-373-7888) is available 24 hours.

Yousef Miller (Mosques Against Trafficking) reviewed recent walks and outreach projects and invited volunteers for outreach teams focused on hotels, massage parlors and community events.

Mayor Rebecca Jones and council members thanked the organizations and recognized the collaborative regional approach among law-enforcement and service providers.