Central OC Times

Assemblymember Diane Dixon has introduced House Resolution 5 to raise awareness for Human Trafficking Prevention Month in January. The resolution acknowledges the resilience of trafficking survivors and the efforts of those working to prevent human trafficking. In California, 2022 statistics from the National Human Trafficking Hotline revealed 1,118 identified cases involving 1,910 victims.

Dixon expressed her concern about human trafficking during her time in the California Legislature, stating: "Human trafficking is abhorrent and why I am raising awareness to provide support for the organizations and individuals leading the fight against trafficking of humans for financial or other reasons."

To further her understanding, Dixon hosted an Open House at her Newport Beach District Office with guests from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department and Waymakers. Waymakers is a nonprofit that focuses on building safer communities by supporting youth offenders, sheltered children, troubled families, resolving community conflicts, and empowering violence victims. Linh Tran of Waymakers emphasized: “We see every victim of trafficking as somebody’s child. We want to ensure that every son and daughter feels safe enough to reach out to get the help needed.”

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department has dedicated resources towards fighting human trafficking with specialized investigation teams focused on helping victims and holding traffickers accountable. Sheriff Don Barnes highlighted: “Human trafficking is a modern day form of slavery. Stopping this crime is a top priority for Orange County law enforcement.”

In addition to these efforts, Assemblymember Dixon collaborated with Mary’s Path in 2022—a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program facility in Orange County for pregnant and parenting youth who have experienced trauma after escaping human trafficking. She plans to introduce another request this year to support their efforts.

Dixon reiterated her commitment: “Human trafficking has no place here or anywhere in our State,” adding that she is dedicated to helping victims overcome their experiences and partnering with organizations to end human trafficking.