HR 75 and the Importance of Survivor-Led Anti-Trafficking Efforts

January marked Human Trafficking Prevention Month, an opportunity to center survivor leadership and advance meaningful collective action. One highlight this year was PACT’s engagement at the State Capitol alongside Assemblymembers Gail Pellerin and Mia Bonta in recognition of HR 75, which designates January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month and affirms the anti-trafficking movement as one led by survivors. As CFPIC Program Associate and trafficking survivor Josie Feemster shared, “Every young person deserves to be seen, protected, and believed. Our response must match the reality of trafficking today, including labor trafficking by forced criminality.”

PACT’s work reflects this commitment by centering communities most impacted by trafficking, including racial and ethnic minorities, Indigenous people, women and girls, LGBTQ+ individuals, and migrants. Many face significant barriers to seeking help due to threats of violence, retaliation, or deportation. Through its capacity-building platform, PACT strengthens coordination across counties by offering local leaders tailored resources, training, and coaching, guided by a diverse team with deep subject matter expertise and lived experience. To learn more, visit the PACT website at pact.cfpic.org.