Human trafficking a local issue, experts say

<p>Girls and women working as prostitutes on Santa Rosa Avenue are evidence that human trafficking is a problem not confined to distant countries, experts said Wednesday.</p><p>"This is a call to awareness, to understanding and a call to action," Santa Rosa Police Lt. Nicholas Sensley said during a forum on human trafficking at Congregation Shomrei Torah.</p><p>About 250 people heard local, state and national officials and human rights advocates discuss the issue in Sonoma County. The event was sponsored by local Soroptimist International of Santa Rosa.</p><p>Assistant City Attorney Mike Casey said a recent case involving the former Llano Motel on Santa Rosa Avenue revealed the problem of girls being coerced into the sex trade. The motel was the target of a lengthy prostitution sting and was demolished last year.</p><p>"Prostitution, which is interconnected with human trafficking, is very much alive in Santa Rosa," Casey said.</p><p>The panel discussion included Casey, Sonoma County District Attorney Stephan Passalacqua, Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Haung and agents from the FBI and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.</p><p>Sensley, who founded the international consulting company Cross-Sector Solutions, said human trafficking is often seen as a problem affecting East Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe, but the issue is growing exponentially in cities nationwide.</p><p>Bobbi Turner, crisis intervention manager with United Against Sexual Assault in Sonoma County, said runaway youth are the most vulnerable.</p><p>"Most of the women working on Santa Rosa Avenue -- about 55 percent -- got started in human trafficking," she said.</p><p>The organization has a hot line that receives about one call a month from local victims. Turner said advertising for Wednesday's event prompted more phone calls last week.</p><p>The event included a screening of the documentary "Cargo: Innocence Lost," directed by Michael Cory Davis, which examines the network of trafficking into the United States.</p><p>Davis cautioned the audience about graphic and violent scenes involving the re-enactment of a rape.</p><p>"When you are bothered by something -- let that attach itself to you," Davis said. "Use that to make a difference in this world."</p><p>You can reach Staff Writer Tracie Morales at 521-5274 or tracie.morales@pressdemocrat.com.</p>