RTC launches human trafficking awareness campaign across valley in advance of January prevention month

2020-12-30T10:20:40-08:00| Categories: Press Releases|

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 30, 2020

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Catherine Busche, RTC, (702) 676-1788 Office, [email protected]
Angela Castro, RTC, 702-676-1552 Office, [email protected]


RTC launches human trafficking awareness campaign across valley in advance of January prevention month
Partnership with FirstMed Health & Wellness Center to provide services for victims

Click to Tweet: What does human trafficking look like? You might be surprised. @RTCSNV launches human trafficking awareness campaign, thanks to @FTA_DOT grant

LAS VEGAS – In preparation for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention month in January, the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC) is launching a human trafficking awareness campaign to highlight what community members can do if they believe someone is being trafficked while using public transportation.

Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery that occurs across the globe. The National Human Trafficking Hotline ranks Nevada as 13th in the number of trafficking cases reported. Since 2007, the National Hotline has received almost 3,400 calls pertaining to Nevada, leading to more than 1,400 trafficking victims identified.

Earlier this year, the RTC received a $160,000 grant from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) as part of the ‘Innovations in Transit Public Safety’ program to support efforts in combatting human trafficking.

The RTC trained all front-line employees, transit operators and security officers to help identify human trafficking victims and assist them in safely leaving their traffickers. The program includes partnerships with the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Criminal Justice department to evaluate the training and FirstMed Health and Wellness, a local organization that helps provide comprehensive wrap-around relief services once a victim is identified.

“Traffickers rely on the transportation industry in every phase of human trafficking, from recruitment to the delivery of victims to buyers,” said MJ Maynard, RTC CEO. “Public transit agencies may come in contact with victims on a regular basis, and this grant allows us to become part of the solution.”

The awareness campaign is featured across the valley’s transit stops and hubs, inside and outside of buses, on digital billboards and on social media platforms.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The campaign challenges traditional notions of a human trafficking victim to encourage the community to be more alert. Download campaign assets HERE.

If anyone believes they – or someone they know – are being trafficked, they can approach an RTC employee, transit operator or security officer; or report it anonymously on the RTC’s Transit Watch app. Those seeking assistance can also contact FirstMed 24/7 at 1-844-460-0003. 

About the RTC
The RTC is the regional authority overseeing public transit, metropolitan planning, roadway funding, traffic management, and the public bike share system. The RTC’s vision is to advance regionally transformative mobility solutions through equitable, innovative and sustainable infrastructure development. The RTC’s mission is to elevate quality of life for residents and visitors through sustainable planning, collaborative problem-solving, and safe and equitable transportation service. For more information about the RTC and our major initiatives or to download the rideRTC app, visit rtcsnv.com. Stay informed by subscribing to our blog or following us on social media.

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