Central Valley Against Human Trafficking was founded in 2009 as a result of staff’s increased awareness of minor girls presenting at Fresno EOC'S Sanctuary Youth Shelter with a history of trafficking. Department of Health and Human Services to create the Central Valley Freedom Coalition and raise awareness of human trafficking. The overarching goals of Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVA
HT) are to:
-Provide leadership for the Central Valley Freedom Coalition
-Increase public awareness, of the dangers of trafficking and the protections that are available for victims
-Provide training and technical assistance to multi-sector professionals
-Provide outreach to those at risk for trafficking
-Identify victims of human trafficking and connect them to service delivery systems
Through Sanctuary and Youth Services’ other programs, emergency shelter, transitional housing, case management, transportation, referrals, and other assistance is provided to victims of all forms of human trafficking. CVAHT funded partners provide additional assistance to victims of human trafficking; including services for immigrants and victims of domestic violence. CVAHT leads the anti-trafficking effort throughout the Central Valley of California and consistently represents the region in state and nation-wide efforts. Through partners and stakeholders, Central Valley Against Human Trafficking (CVAHT) serves a six-county region including: Merced, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Kings and Kern counties.