Arizona State Capitol dome will shine blue for anti-human trafficking
Jan 3, 2018, 8:35 AM | Updated: 8:05 pm
(Twitter Photo)
(Twitter Photo)
PHOENIX — Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey has declared January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month and said the State Capitol’s dome will be lit blue to promote awareness.
Ducey’s proclamation said the state was committed to protecting victims’ right and ensuring zero tolerance of any form of human trafficking, describing it as a form of modern-day slavery.
Together, we can end human trafficking. As part of our continued commitment to raising awareness of this horrific crime, the Arizona Capitol dome will be lit blue throughout the month of January. #HumanTrafficking https://t.co/mn5CvRcujM
— Doug Ducey (@dougducey) January 2, 2018
Beautiful blue dome at the #AZ Capitol. Governor @dougducey has proclaimed January #HumanTrafficking Prevention Month. Thanks to the AZ Human Trafficking Council for all the hard work to help combat this horrific crime. @cindymccain @MFuentes127 @AZGOYFF @McCainInstitute pic.twitter.com/JhkOdiLtqQ
— Tim Roemer (@TimRoemerAZ) January 3, 2018
#ICYMI Governor @dougducey lit the Capitol Dome blue in honor of #HumanTrafficking Prevention Month. If you want to learn more about human trafficking go to https://t.co/wb6Xb122Rx @cindymccain @McCainInstitute Arizona Department of Homeland Security #SeeSomethingSaySomething pic.twitter.com/1t4XvetqUh
— Arizona GOYFF (@AZGOYFF) January 3, 2018
Across the country, the month has been dedicated to anti-trafficking efforts, that include raising perception and recognition of the illegal multibillion dollar trade.
Detective Scott Carpenter with the Scottsdale Police Department told the Scottsdale Independent in December that, “Commercial sex trafficking occurs in Scottsdale daily but is not readily visible to the average citizen.”
He also said between 2012 and 2016, the number of reported cases in Arizona had increased 146 percent.
The majority of human trafficking victims, numbering over 20 million, are women, children and poor. They are forced into labor or commercial sexual exploitation.
The Arizona Human Trafficking Council serves as a state and national leader in responding to human trafficking and facilitating systemic change.
Ducey has worked closely with the council, co-chaired by Cindy McCain, wife of U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.).
The council has partnered with the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family on a campaign for social media and through several state and community groups.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
