Tempe, Arizona is ramping up its fight against human trafficking.
Human trafficking affects an estimated 25 million people globally, with disturbing local statistics, such as 13 years old being the average age of trafficking victims in Arizona.
Tim Burch, director of Community Health and Human Services, explained that cartels and organized crime rings use extreme violence and coercion to exploit victims.
"Sex trafficking and labor trafficking are often perpetrated by cartels and hyper-organized crime rings," Burch said. "These individuals endure severe trauma and need comprehensive support and healing to reclaim their lives."
Burch’s comments come as 10.5 million illegal immigrants, most of whom have been trafficked, have flooded into the United States over the past few years.
The U.S. is known as one of the worst countries globally for human trafficking, which affects individuals of all ages, genders and backgrounds.
Women are predominantly trafficked for sexual exploitation, while men are often forced into labor; notably, one in five victims are children.
Many victims do not seek help due to language barriers, fear of traffickers, or distrust of law enforcement.
Tempe's approach integrates law enforcement and victim services in a collaborative model, with the city's Family Advocacy Center serving as a crucial hub for support.
Tempe enhanced its fight against human trafficking by adding a trafficking victim advocate and a specialized detective, funded by a three-year federal grant.
The victim advocate focuses on community education and outreach, particularly among youth, while the detective will strengthen investigative efforts and collaborations with local partners.
These positions will work together within the Family Advocacy Center to support trafficking survivors, increase awareness, and facilitate access to resources and legal assistance.
Tempe's Family Advocacy Center provides centralized support for trafficking survivors, offering resources and advocacy to help them recover and rebuild their lives.
The city of Tempe achieved Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation (CEASE) city status in 2023, training 86% of its workforce on anti-trafficking measures, exceeding the 75% requirement.
The city’s new initiatives also include enhancing specialized programming for trafficking survivors and expanding emergency housing through safe houses.
"We ensure immediate safety through emergency housing and then connect victims with necessary services such as detox and rehabilitation," Burch said.
According to Burch, Tempe's efforts are part of a broader response to a national surge in trafficking, particularly in regions near the U.S. southern border.
"Trafficking is escalating, especially in southern states and areas with high-profile events," he said.
In 2021, Arizona was ranked 12th in the United States for human trafficking incidences.
The city's current model emphasizes a combination of immediate crisis intervention and long-term support, a strategy Burch believes other communities should adopt.
"Effective collaboration between law enforcement and victim advocates is essential," he stated. "Building these partnerships and defining roles clearly is crucial for addressing complex issues like human trafficking effectively."
Burch has over 25 years of experience in health and human services, including 12 years in executive leadership roles within local government. He holds a Bachelor of Arts and a master’s degree from the University of Nevada – Las Vegas and also serves as a faculty member for the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs.
