Oakland, CA—Alameda County District Attorney Nancy E. O’Malley, Robert Schmitt, Regional President, Northern California and Bruce Qualls, Vice President, Clear Channel Outdoor Real Estate and Public Affairs Clear Channel Outdoor, today unveiled a new campaign to combat human trafficking in all forms. The campaign is called “TAKE THE PLEDGE”. It invites and challenges members of the community to declare their support of the efforts to combat human trafficking and exploitation.
“TAKE THE PLEDGE” will be presented on Clear Channel billboards and bus shelters which are visible throughout Alameda County. The Campaign aims to mobilize the public, to heighten community awareness and education and to let people know how they can support the fight against human trafficking. Members of the community can click on the “TAKE THE PLEDGE” icon on HEATWatch.org and register their support. They can also learn how they too, can support the efforts of the many activists and abolitionists working to end human trafficking.
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office and Clear Channel Outdoor have collaborated for many years to deliver education and awareness to communities throughout Alameda County and the greater Bay Area. January 2020 is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. “TAKE THE PLEDGE” is a way to start the new decade with determination and action aimed at stopping both commercial sexual exploitation and commercial labor exploitation.
The 2020 campaign consists of billboards and bus shelters visible in neighborhoods and from roadways throughout the Alameda County. The billboard’s message “TAKE THE PLEDGE” challenges every member of the community to play a role in putting an end to modern-day slavery. The billboards drive internet traffic to the DA’s Human Trafficking website, where one can take the pledge anonymously and, in addition, sign up for text and/or e-mail alerts with messages detailing ways to become involved in the fight. From heightening understanding and education, to starting campus clubs and participating in events and actions, there will be something for everyone. To “TAKE THE PLEDGE” simply click on the icon at HEATWatch.org. By doing so, individuals are showing the community’s support to ending human trafficking.
The District Attorney’s Office has a goal of 1 million clicks. Note: Neither emails or text numbers will be tracked by the District Attorney’s website; only individuals who decide to enter their email or phone number will receive information about human trafficking.
“While my Office continues to work tirelessly to put an end to these dangerous and exploitative criminal enterprises, it certainly takes all of us doing our part to stop to human trafficking,” says DA O’Malley. “We are dedicated to prosecuting traffickers and purchasers of exploited and trafficked children, who are funding the criminal enterprise. We are also committed to protecting and assisting victims. But we need everyone in the community to let their voices be heard by “TAKE THE PLEDGE” and taking action. Whether that means becoming more informed, starting a club in a school, requesting a speaker, or participating in an event, this campaign will provide a meaningful way to join the fight!”
“Clear Channel Outdoor and the Alameda County District Attorney’s office have successfully collaborated in Out-of-Home advertising campaigns to both combat human trafficking and bring victims to safety for nearly eight years,” said Bob Schmitt, regional president, Clear Channel Outdoor – Northern Calif. “Public and private sector efforts, such as this one, hold the promise of making our communities safer, healthier places to live while inspiring change together that protects the public safety of our friends, neighbors and visitors.”
The Alameda County DA’s Office is a leader in the state and the nation in addressing and prosecuting human trafficking cases and in enabling victims to escape exploitation. The District Attorney’s Office has two Specialized Units: Sex Trafficking and Labor Trafficking. These Units are comprised of attorneys, inspectors and victim advocates dedicated to working with and supporting victims. Over the past 13 years, this office has prosecuted 727 defendants involving human sex trafficking related offenses, with an 81% success rate. 57 cases are currently pending in the Sex Trafficking Unit. We have prosecuted more than 25 Labor Trafficking cases involving nearly 850 victims.
To “TAKE THE PLEDGE” and to learn more about human trafficking as well as how to become involved in the solution, please visit: HEATWATCH.org
Important phone numbers:
TO REPORT IMMEDIATE DANGER, CALL 911.
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCY REPORTS, CALL THE HEAT WATCH TIP LINE:
(510) 208-4959
FOR 24 HOUR HELP, CALL THE NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE:
(888) 373-7888 OR TEXT BEFREE (233-733)
