PRESCOTT, AZ — As Arizona intensifies its battle against human trafficking in 2025, a groundbreaking new task force has launched in northern Arizona to enhance survivor support and crack down on exploitation. The North Star Task Force: Survivor-Informed Trafficking Awareness and Response, the first of its kind in the region, brings together law enforcement, community leaders, and trafficking survivors to address this hidden crisis in Coconino County and beyond. At Destiny House Restoration Center, we applaud these collaborative efforts, which align with our mission to provide safe housing, counseling, and recovery resources for survivors across the state.
A New Frontier in Northern Arizona’s Fight
Launched on January 24, 2025, the North Star Task Force targets human trafficking in rural areas, where it often occurs out of sight—in motels, massage parlors, homes, and even truck stops along major corridors like I-40 and I-17. According to Northland Family Health Center, the primary provider of trafficking services in Coconino County, nearly 250 victims received crisis hotline support in 2024 alone, with 32 adults sheltered through their programs. Local experts emphasize that trafficking affects every community, with “johns” often being residents rather than outsiders.
This survivor-informed initiative marks a shift toward trauma-sensitive responses, incorporating victim perspectives to improve outreach and prevention. It’s part of a broader wave of 2025 actions, including Executive Order 2025-04 by Governor Katie Hobbs, which renews the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking with enhanced tribal representation and a focus on coordinated victim services.
Empowering Everyday Heroes: Utility Workers Trained to Spot and Rescue Victims
In a complementary effort, the Arizona Attorney General’s Office partnered with utilities like Arizona Public Service (APS) and Salt River Project (SRP) on January 14, 2025, to train front-line workers in recognizing trafficking signs. These community-embedded professionals—linemen, meter readers, and more—are now equipped to report suspicious activities, potentially rescuing victims during routine visits. Stacey Sutherland of the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network noted, “It makes sense to train people where they are,” highlighting how this could safeguard families and communities statewide.
Building Momentum: Upcoming Summit and Ongoing Resources
Looking ahead, the Arizona Human Trafficking Summit, set for September 29–October 1, 2025, at the Mesa Convention Center, will offer beginner and advanced sessions on improving responses to child and adult sex trafficking cases. Objectives include identifying gaps in investigations, fostering collaborative approaches, and sharing statewide data to bolster rescue and prevention strategies.
These developments build on Arizona’s robust framework, including the Arizona Blue Campaign, which educates the public on spotting hidden exploitation, especially during high-risk events like major conventions. While specific 2025 rescue numbers are emerging, initiatives like North Star are poised to increase victim identifications and interventions.
At Destiny House Restoration Center, we’re inspired by these stories of hope and action. Our programs offer trauma-informed care to help survivors rebuild, and we partner with local agencies to amplify rescues and recovery. Human trafficking preys on vulnerability, but through awareness and unity, we can turn the tide.
If you suspect trafficking, call the Arizona Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-877-4-AZTIPS or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Resources
- Destiny House Restoration Center – Safe housing and recovery support for survivors in Prescott and beyond.
- North Star Task Force / AZFamily News – Details on northern Arizona’s anti-trafficking efforts.
- Arizona Attorney General’s Office Utility Training – Program to empower workers as first responders.
- Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking – Statewide coordination and victim services.
- Arizona Human Trafficking Summit – Registration for September 2025 event.
- National Human Trafficking Hotline – 24/7 support and reporting (1-888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” to 233733).
- Arizona Blue Campaign – Public education on spotting and stopping trafficking.
