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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