The impact on Indigenous communities (Maricopa, AZ area)

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• Disproportionate harm & overlap with MMIP. Indigenous people experience violence at rates far above national averages. Arizona created an MMIP study committee (HB 2570) and a statewide Task Force because cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls have risen across four decades, with “hotspots” in urban counties and along travel corridors like I-10 that run through our region. Trafficking does not account for every missing person, but the risk factors, underreporting, and jurisdictional gaps overlap significantly. Arizona Governor's OfficeArizona LegislatureJournal Hosting

• Youth vulnerability. Arizona research finds homeless and unstably housed young adults—disproportionately including Native youth—face elevated trafficking risk, underscoring the need for culturally responsive prevention, safe housing, and rapid-response services. School of Social Work+1

• Local tribal context. Near Maricopa are the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Gila River Indian Community, and Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community—each with advocacy or family-advocacy services and cross-agency partners. In Pinal County, medical forensic services specifically include responses for sex trafficking survivors. Gila River Victim ServicesSalt River CommunityPinal County

What we can do—practical steps for our community

For everyone (neighbors, parents, youth):

1. Learn indicators (controlling “boyfriend/manager,” restricted movement, sudden hotel living, branding tattoos) and report safely. Use the hotlines below; call 9-1-1 if someone is in immediate danger. Share these numbers at churches, schools, and events. Goyff

2. Normalize help-seeking: include a quiet “Need help?” QR code linking to hotlines in school newsletters, youth spaces, and event programs.

3. Support safe housing & youth services; instability is a major risk driver. School of Social Work

For businesses & event organizers (venues, hotels, festivals, chambers):4) Train staff with Arizona’s SAFE Action Project (free, hospitality-focused trafficking training). Require it for vendors and volunteers at large events. Azag5) Adopt a see–verify–report protocol: a single page that tells staff whom to call, what to document, and how to keep victims safe while avoiding confrontation. Post discreet signage in restrooms. Goyff6) Partner with Pinal County Medical Forensic Services and nearby tribal Family Advocacy Centers to pre-plan survivor-centered responses. Pinal CountyGila River Victim ServicesSalt River Community

For schools & youth groups:7) Use age-appropriate, culturally grounded prevention curricula; invite ASU’s Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research (STIR) for educator trainings and data-informed sessions. School of Social Work8) Build “safe adult” maps and transportation safety plans for students traveling to jobs, games, or events along the SR-347/I-10 corridors.

For tribal, city & county partners:9) Keep strengthening tribal–state–federal coordination via Arizona’s MMIP Task Force and the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking; align data sharing and victim services so cases don’t fall through jurisdictional cracks. Arizona Governor's OfficeGoyff10) Fund Indigenous-led advocacy and crisis response (including language access and cultural healing supports) through VOCA/OVC and state resources. Office for Victims of Crime

For local media, faith & civic leaders (great fit for you):11) Run a quarterly awareness series centering Indigenous voices—survivors, advocates, tribal victim services—plus a standing resource box with hotlines on every page/post. Coordinate Red Dress/MMIP and Red Sand awareness moments each spring. Maricopa County Attorney's Office12) Host a community teach-in with Ak-Chin/Gila River/Salt River victim services, Maricopa PD Victim Assistance, and Pinal County Medical Forensic nurses so residents know exactly how to help and where to go. Maricopa AZPinal County

Trusted hotlines & nearby services

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (chat/text options available). Goyff

• Arizona ACTIC Tip Line: 1-877-4AZ-TIPS (1-877-429-8477) for tips statewide. Call 9-1-1 for emergencies. ACTIC

• StrongHearts Native Helpline (DV/SA, culturally specific): 1-844-762-8483. SWIWC

• Maricopa Police Department Victim Assistance Program (local help for survivors/witnesses). Maricopa AZ

• Gila River & Salt River Family Advocacy Centers (24/7 coordinated care). Gila River Victim ServicesSalt River Community

• Pinal County Medical Forensic Services (sexual assault/sex trafficking care). Pinal County