The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved proclamations Tuesday declaring January 2026 as Human Trafficking Prevention Month, reaffirming the county's commitment to combating trafficking and supporting survivors.
The board approved separate but complementary motions from Chair and First District Supervisor Hilda L. Solis and from Supervisors Janice Hahn and Lindsey P. Horvath, both emphasizing a shift toward survivor-centered, trauma-informed services.
"Human trafficking is a serious violation of human rights that affects workers, children and families in communities across Los Angeles County, often out of sight and without victims knowing where to turn for help," Solis said. "This proclamation is about more than awareness. It is about strengthening prevention, improving coordination across County agencies and making sure survivors can access culturally competent, trauma-informed services that put their safety and dignity first."
The proclamations recognize National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, first established in 2010, and acknowledge the continued prevalence of both labor and sex trafficking throughout the county. Trafficking often remains hidden due to fear, coercion, language barriers and limited public awareness, according to county officials.
Hahn emphasized the county's evolving approach to addressing human trafficking. "I'm proud that LA County continues to be a national leader in how we address human trafficking and exploitation by shifting away from law enforcement responses and punishment for those being trafficked, and instead toward recognizing the deep trauma survivors face and molding our approach to meet their needs," she said.
Horvath echoed the commitment to a public health framework. "In Los Angeles County, we are committed to a public health approach to addressing human trafficking by strengthening prevention efforts, supporting survivors, and addressing the conditions that increase vulnerability," she said.
Several county departments play roles in prevention and response, including the Departments of Children and Family Services and Public Health, the Sheriff's Department and the District Attorney's Office. The Office of Labor Equity conducts outreach and education to help workers recognize signs of exploitation and connect with available resources.
Chancee Martorell, founder and executive director of the Thai Community Development Center, praised the proclamation while noting the ongoing nature of the challenge. "The terror of modern-day slavery is not limited to one month out of the year. Tackling this issue requires long-term persistence, funding, awareness, and healing," Martorell said.
Solis noted that increased awareness and prevention efforts are especially critical as Los Angeles prepares to host major international events, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The proclamations build on previous board actions aimed at strengthening countywide responses, including efforts to assess service gaps, improve coordination among departments and enhance data-sharing strategies to better identify and assist victims.
The motions call for year-round promotion of the Office of Labor Equity's public awareness campaign and available county and non-county survivor-centered services, recognizing that addressing human trafficking requires sustained effort beyond a single month of recognition.