As part of the Annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk, organized by Vista’s Soroptimist Club, many participants walked—even in the rain— to increase awareness about human trafficking. The rain didn’t keep them down, as they just added umbrellas to their gear and kept the march going. Along with information about human trafficking being dispersed, donations were also accepted to support human trafficking victims and other non-profits that help combat the problem. The walk takes place every year and is organized by the Soroptimist International organization for women, loosely translated to mean “best for women.”  Organization member Kaye Van Nevel addressed the crowd and explained the group’s mission as follows:

“Our mission is to support women’s rights and the status of women. Human trafficking, particularly the commercial sexual exploitation of children, is of huge interest. These are horrible crimes, as you can imagine. Did you know that between 72 and 89% of our victims of human trafficking are from right here in the United States? Not from across the border, which has been a false thought.” 

The March Was Well Attended

Despite the weather, some 200 people joined in and marched holding signs proclaiming various messages, some asking passing traffic to “honk to stop human trafficking.” The crowd was awarded for their efforts with many drivers doing just that as they passed by the group. The march was a mile-long walk. After the walk, there were additional guest speakers to close out the event, and once again highlight the need for more awareness of the evils of human trafficking as they exist within America’s borders today. 

Working Together to Fight Evil

The President of the Vista Soroptimist Club, Assly Sayyar, also spoke and said that their club is all about working together with other organizations like Saved in America to fight against these evils that are pervading our land. She said the following:

“We’re about collaboration. Our organization is all about working with other nonprofits, the government, police and law enforcement, and faith-based organizations. Many groups are working on this issue, and the more we work together, the more we can pool our resources. Part of today is also about developing those collaborative relationships.” 

This event represents the coming together of many like-minded people to fight against the horrors of the human trafficking industry.