ARIZONA ANTI-TRAFFICKING NETWORK AND THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF FORGE PARTNERSHIP TO COMBAT SEX TRAFFICKING
FLAGSTAFF- The City of Flagstaff, in partnership with the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN), have announced efforts are underway to train all municipal employees on how to identify and report sex trafficking. This initiative is part of Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) Arizona, a program of the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network. “Sex trafficking and sex buying is an inherently harmful industry that puts countless people and communities at risk. And evidence is growing that combating sex-buying is a crucial–but often overlooked–component of a comprehensive approach to ending the illegal sex trade. We must do everything we can to protect our most vulnerable and I’m extremely excited for this to be implemented in Flagstaff.” – Becky Daggett, Mayor of Flagstaff
Starting this week, CEASE will begin training more than 900 City of Flagstaff employees across all departments including City Administration, Management Services, Information Technology, Human Resources & Risk Management, Community Development, City Engineering, Water Services, Economic Vitality, Public Works, Parks, Recreation. Open Space and Events, Municipal Court, Sustainability and the Flagstaff Police and Fire departments. Once 75% of employees complete the training, Flagstaff will receive the CEASE City Designation. Arizona has documented cases of sex trafficking statewide in rural and urban communities. Trafficking can vary depending upon the community and venue in which the crime is occurring. Misinformation about trafficking crimes can cause reduced identification of potential victims and trafficking suspects. Training helps the community recognize the realities faced by victims and empowers city employees and the public to move from awareness about the issue to action. “AATN and CEASE are thrilled that the City of Flagstaff is taking a strong stance on the issue of commercial sexual exploitation by training employees and police officers on how to recognize the signs of sex trafficking,” said John Meza, AATN’s Board President. “Teaching people how to identify victims is the first step in being able to combat sex trafficking, and we are proud to partner with Flagstaff to ensure our cities remain safe for all, including vulnerable populations that are most highly targeted by sex traffickers.”
Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network
PO Box 1125
Mesa, AZ 85211
ARIZONA ANTI-TRAFFICKING NETWORK PARTNERS WITH THE CITY OF FLAGSTAFF TO TRAIN MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES TO IDENTIFY AND REPORT SEX TRAFFICKING
The CEASE Arizona program equips city governments with the knowledge and expertise to combat commercial sexual exploitation. This is accomplished through training, policy recommendations, and technology-based deterrence efforts targeted at sex buyers. All program activities are offered free of charge. City employees are often in the best position to observe potential trafficking and make a report. Training is the catalyst for equipping cities with the knowledge to effectively recognize, respond, and assist victims in their jurisdictions and send the message that commercial sexual exploitation will not be tolerated. To date, the CEASE program has trained over 3,750 municipal employees statewide. City governments or departments that are interested in free training can request assistance here. For more information about the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network, visit our website at aatn.org.
