South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

The South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking (SBCEHT) held its first meeting in February 2005 to establish a multidisciplinary response to human trafficking in the South Bay Area. The Coalition upholds a victim-centered approach in coordinating resources and strengthening local capacity to address human trafficking. The Coalition has been successful in responding to human trafficking, providing professional training and education and building trust between non-governmental organizations, government agencies and community members to address human trafficking in the South Bay.

The Bay Area is a top destination point for trafficked victims. The Bay Area’s major harbors and airports, its powerful economy and accelerating population, its large immigrant population and its industries make it vulnerable to human trafficking.

The SBCEHT is one of 40 victim-centered human trafficking task forces funded jointly by the U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Assistance and the Office of Justice Programs, Office for Victims of Crime to identify, rescue and restore victims of human trafficking. Since 2005, the SBCEHT has coordinated the collaborative effort among law enforcement, human trafficking victim services agencies and the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify and rescue victims of trafficking in persons and successfully prosecute traffickers.

Mission

To ensure the protection of victims, the prosecution of offenders and the prevention of human trafficking and slavery through an effective coordinated partnership