The United States Department of Justice, together with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Puerto Rico and the Puerto Rico Department of Justice, has launched a new educational outreach initiative called Breaking the Cycle to address human trafficking in Puerto Rico.
Breaking the Cycle is designed as an educational program that seeks to prevent violence by focusing on awareness and proactive intervention rather than solely on enforcement. The program aims to equip citizens with knowledge to recognize and reject harmful behaviors, with the goal of fostering a culture based on safety and respect across Puerto Rico.
The initiative targets several groups: students from kindergarten through university level and their teachers, parents and caregivers, vulnerable populations such as at-risk youth and the elderly, as well as community leaders and local organizations.
“Human traffickers, particularly those who prey on children, exploit the most vulnerable segments of our society,” said U.S. Attorney W. Stephen Muldrow. “We value the relationships we have with local law enforcement partners to help identify and investigate cases of human trafficking. Together, we strive to educate our communities to detect signs of this illegal activity and report it.”
Puerto Rico Secretary of Justice Lourdes L. Gómez Torres added: “Education, supported by strong values and access to adequate resources, constitutes the most effective tool to prevent and eradicate risky behaviors. Educating citizens who are aware of their rights, committed to their duties, and engaged in the well-being of their communities is a collective responsibility. Recognizing that human trafficking is a harm that concerns us all, we join the U.S. Attorney’s Office in this important prevention initiative, confident that by educating the public to recognize and reject harmful behaviors, we contribute to the building of a society grounded in safety, dignity, and mutual respect.”
Breaking the Cycle presentations are available free of charge upon request for any institution or community group in Puerto Rico.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Puerto Rico leads federal law enforcement efforts throughout Puerto Rico from its base in San Juan. This office handles criminal prosecutions including civil rights violations—such as those involved in human trafficking—and provides mechanisms for reporting crimes or fraud via its official website. The office also works closely with local agencies on issues like public corruption and drug trafficking.
W. Stephen Muldrow currently serves as United States Attorney for this district according to official information.
For more information about Breaking the Cycle or how to schedule a presentation, contact Public Affairs and Community Engagement Division (PACE) at USAPR.Outreach@usdoj.gov.
