San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) hosted its first Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention workshop at its Downtown Transit Center on Jan. 11. Representatives from the Women’s Center - Youth and Family Services (WCYFS) and the Stockton Police Department’s VICE unit spoke to RTD employees about identifying signs of human trafficking and what steps they can take if they suspect trafficking is occurring.

The presentations featured topics on prevention methods, identifying victims of human trafficking, understanding exploitation dynamics, and recognizing indicators of possible victimization or recruitment into trafficking situations. Attendees also learned how to report instances of potential trafficking to stop the cycle and the importance of online safety through social media awareness.

RTD employees showed solidarity and support for the cause by wearing blue attire and custom-designed buttons on Human Trafficking Awareness Day. The buttons were designed to bring awareness to human trafficking issues while allowing RTD employees to help spread the message of prevention by showing their commitment to ending the cycle of exploitation in the community.

“We are committed to creating a safe and secure environment for our employees, passengers, and community. This event provided RTD staff with the critical information they need to identify signs of human trafficking and help reduce cases and it is a good first step,” said RTD CEO Alex Clifford. “We must continue to work together to help prevent human trafficking from happening in our community.”

The community can join RTD in the fight against human trafficking. If you or someone you suspect is a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733, or contact the Women’s Center - Youth and Family Services at (209) 941-2611 for help. You can also contact your local law enforcement for assistance.

“By partnering with organizations such as RTD, WCYFS is able to extend its reach and provide vital services to those who need them most,” said WCYFS Community Engagement and Education Program Manager Elizabeth Sanchez. “By engaging in conversation, we can help make a difference in the lives of many people.”

San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) is the regional transit provider for San Joaquin County. For more information visit sjRTD.com, follow RTD on Facebook and Twitter, or call (209) 943-1111.