MARICOPA, Ariz. — More than 200 people from across the state came together to learn more about how to recognize human trafficking and what can be done to help victims.
The "Call to Action Summit" is an event that focuses on human trafficking.
"The average age of someone to get introduced to trafficking as a victim if under the age of 18, is 14 years old," Tom Boelts, founder of the summit, said. "And the life expectancy for somebody who's been introduced to trafficking, according to the FBI and U.S. Census Bureau, is 25 years old. So, we have a very short window of time to try and reach these victims and get them help."
The goal, Boelts said, is to reduce the impact of human trafficking and to save lives.
"It's training," he said. "Networking and just trying to change that paradigm to the human trafficking model and treat these kids with care and help they need."
These events help train people on how to spot human trafficking and show them ways they can stop it.
"One kid being saved is worth it, and yet we know it takes all of us to make a difference in a way that moves the needle," Breanna Vales said.
Breanna and Brandon Vales are the directors of 'Red Light Rebellion,' a group that speaks with 7th-12th graders about human trafficking so students can help themselves or even someone else.
"We try and stop it before it starts," Breanna Vales said. "I think before we could say certain kids from certain areas are vulnerable to it, but now with the internet it has absolutely changed. So if a child has a device and it has any type of chat feature, they're more vulnerable to be targeted by a predator."
It's the second year the two have spoken at the 'Call to Action Summit.' They feel it's both necessary and helpful for those who partake.
"Just to be part of something that's even bigger than ourselves, that's part of a bigger cause of keeping kids safe here gets us really pumped," Brandon Vales said. "We've been to a couple of events this year and seeing the energy and being able to connect with people face-to-face and brainstorm strategies that makes moves is huge."
"I think it makes a difference because it shows everyone who's a player in this issue," Breanna Vales said. "We work in the school system so if we're noticing trafficking we need to know who to call in the law enforcement side or advocacy side. We need to be able to have the right connections."
And as attendees listened, there's hope the information given will help save lives and help bring change.
"I wish everybody understood these victims are victims," Boelts said. "We do this to save lives."