Dear partners in abolition. A news story on ABC30 came out about a prostitution bust in massage parlors in Clovis yesterday. Unfortunately, these may be cases of sex trafficking, which means that any victims are being criminalized rather than cared for. Even if this were not the case, it perpetuates the public idea that women in these massage parlors are criminals rather than possible victims of commercial sex exploitation. Please be praying and contact you city leaders to ask them to address human trafficking in massage parlors.
We have recently posted resources to help you speak up to your local representative: Helping With Massage Parlor Policy
In light of the news report, We encourage writing respectful letter to the Clovis PD, asking them if them about their awareness of human trafficking and any tools they used to determine if there was human trafficking occurring. They should have a victim’s advocate present to help determine the presence of human trafficking victims. See our sample letter.
We also recommend that you speak to you Fresno or Clovis officials, asking that your city help effectively deal with human trafficking in way that leads to rescue of victims and protection of potential victims.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE
YOU KNOW IS:
- Not getting paid for their labor
- Not free to change employers
- Being controlled by someone else
- Being forced to do something they don’t want to do
- Has been cheated into payment of debt upon arrival
You, he, or she may be a victim of human trafficking and eligible for free assistance.
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888 for more information. Or, text INFO or HELP to BEFREE (233733)
Contact us at 559.725.1865 for support, resources, and consultation. You can also contact the Fresno Police Tip Line at 559. 621.5950