TUCSON, Ariz. (KGUN) — Community leaders gathered in Tucson Tuesday for the “Southern Arizona Human Trafficking Collaborative,” a discussion focused on protecting and supporting young victims of trafficking.

The effort is made through the following organizations:

• Mercy Care
• Child recovery center
• Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona
• Tucson Police Department
• Arizona Department of Child Safety

The event brought together nearly 100 people, including representatives from state, county and local organizations, to address the pressing issue of child trafficking in Arizona and the progress they have made.
Children make up 27% of all trafficking victims, according to World’s Children, which makes this collaborative event particularly relevant.

The morning focused on sharing progress from various agencies working to combat trafficking networks and support the recovery of young victims.

Congressional candidate Kirsten Engel, who attended the event, emphasized the need for effective programs to prevent trafficking and assist victims. “They are the most vulnerable, with the least ability to defend themselves,” Engel said. “So we have to come in and develop programs to stop this and protect them. Also, let’s help them move forward; and that was a big emphasis.”

The talk ended with a symbolic release of doves, representing hope and a new beginning for those affected by child trafficking.