Twenty years ago on October 28, 2000, the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act became law. It authorizes protections for victims of severe forms of trafficking and violence.
Every day, OCTA helps protect human trafficking victims in Orange County through its Be the One (BT1) program. BT1 was created to encourage OC Bus riders to be alert and engaged while riding. Riders are often the first to notice if something doesn’t seem right. When it comes to human trafficking or potential criminal activity, saying something to our bus drivers can set the wheels in motion to protect lives and rescue those in distress.
Because victims might be using Orange County buses, stops and transit centers, coach operators are trained to recognize and help victims. Hundreds of coach operators have received annual training from members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Transit Police and the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force.
In honor of the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, please take a few minutes to learn more about human trafficking and what you can do to fight it. Learn more here.