HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-20 I01D Proclamation_Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness MonthAGENDA ITEM:
CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
CITY COUNCIL MEETING COMMUNICATION
MEETING DATE: January 20, 2025
AGENDA ITEM:Consideration of approval of receipt and file of a Mayor’s Proclamation of
Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month
FORMAT:Consent Agenda
SYNOPSIS INCLUDING PRO & CON:
FISCAL IMPACT INCLUDING COST/BENEFIT ANALYSIS:
COMMISSION/BOARD/COMMITTEE COMMENT:
STAFF REVIEW AND COMMENT:
RECOMMENDATION: Receive and file the mayor’s proclamation.
ATTACHMENTS: I. Proclamation
PREPARED BY:Becky Schuett
REVIEWED BY:
I1D
THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
PROCLAMATION
SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION
AND AWARENESS MONTH
IN THE NAME AND BY THE AUTHORITY OF THE CITY OF WAUKEE, IOWA
WHEREAS, Human Trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a
person into commercial sex acts or labor services against their will. Exploitation of a
minor for commercial sex is human trafficking, regardless of whether any form of
force, fraud, or coercion was used; AND,
WHEREAS, rural communities across the nation have seen a concerning rise in labor
trafficking cases, particularly among immigrant children from Central America who
are often coerced into exploitative agricultural and factory work under the pretense of
opportunity; sadly, sexual exploitation often goes hand in hand with labor trafficking,
which can also involve illegal arms and drug trafficking in Iowa; AND,
WHEREAS, despite increased advocacy and resources, there remains a stark gap
between the number of survivors receiving assistance and the successful prosecution
of perpetrators, with fewer than 5% of reported trafficking cases in the Midwest
resulting in criminal convictions in 2023; AND,
WHEREAS, despite increased awareness and efforts, human trafficking continues to
be underreported and often goes undetected, with the true extent likely
underestimated due to its clandestine nature, the ability to hide it in rural areas, and the
reluctance of victims to come forward. Studies suggest that only about 1% of
trafficking victims are identified; AND,
WHEREAS, every business, community organization, faith community, family and
individual can make a difference by working to protect the vulnerable within their
sphere of influence; by addressing the problem of internet sex trafficking and
exploitation, especially that targeting children. 1 in 5 youth aged 10-17 report being
approached by an online predator. Note that these are only the numbers reported. In
2023 social media platforms like Tik Tok, Facebook, and YouTube flagged millions of
pieces of child sexual abuse material which were referred to the National Center for
Missing and Exploited Children for further investigation. U.S. teens report spending
an average of 9 hours a day online, excluding homework time.
NOW THEREFORE I, Courtney Clarke, Mayor of Waukee, Iowa do hereby
proclaim the month of January as Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness
month and encourage all our citizens to become more informed on this growing
problem, to be vigilant and report suspicious activity, and to work towards solutions to
end trafficking in all its forms in our community. For assistance with this, reach out to
Chains Interrupted at (319) 364-0222. If you see something that doesn't look right,
reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto
subscribed my name and caused the Great Seal of the
City of Waukee to be affixed this January 20, 2025.
_________________________________________
Courtney Clarke, Mayor