3.1 Proclamation - Slavery and Human TraffickingNational Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention
Month Proclamation - January 2023
WHEREAS, millions of men, women, and children are victims of human trafficking,
which is the second-largest and fastest-growing criminal industry in the world;
WHEREAS, human trafficking denies victims basic human dignity and freedom and is
based on recruiting, harboring and transporting people through use of force, fraud, and/or
coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. It is a crime that can take
many forms and tears at our social fabric, debases our common humanity, and violates
what we stand for as a country;
WHEREAS, traffickers frequently target victims and then use violence, threats, lies, false
promises, debt bondage, or other forms of control and manipulation to force victims to
work against their will or to keep victims involved in commercial sexual exploitation.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Justice Department has identified Kansas as an originating state for
human trafficking, and most trafficking in Kansas involves local children;
WHEREAS, with improved victim identification, medical and social services, training for
first responders, and increased public awareness, the victims who have suffered this cruel
crime can overcome the bonds of modern slavery, receive protection and justice, and
successfully reclaim their rightful independence; and
WHEREAS, the Domestic Violence Association of Central Kansas is joining forces with
victim service providers, criminal justice officials, and concerned citizens throughout
Central Kansas and the United States to observe NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN
TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH. Together, we commit to a society where our
sense ofjustice tells us that united we can eradicate this wrong and continue to fight for
human dignity and the rights of every person.
NOW, THEREFORE, the City of Salina Board of Commissioners hereby proclaims January
2023 as NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH
and applauds the efforts ofthe many victim service providers, police officers, prosecutors, national
and community organizations, and private sector supporters for their efforts in opposing human
trafficking in all its forms.
Dated this 23rd day of January, 2023.
Michael L. Hoppock, Mayor