This weekend, Seattle Police Department led a coalition of public safety partners and service providers in coordinated outreach efforts focused on survivor support, voluntary service connections, and accountability for those responsible for trafficking and exploitation.
The effort followed a commitment by Mayor Wilson, Chief Shon Barnes, City Attorney Erika Evans, and City Council members to address trafficking and exploitation along the North Aurora corridor through a coordinated approach that includes survivor-centered services, violence prevention, and targeted investigations into those responsible for coercion, violence, and financial exploitation.
The Human Services Department (HSD) supported the survivor-centered services component of the operation. HSD’s Crime Survivor Services legal advocates, 18 contracted community-based responders, and a subject-matter expert consultant with lived experience supported provider coordination and outreach. Together, they provided safety planning, basic needs support, and voluntary connections to hotel placements, shelter, legal advocacy, and ongoing community-based services.
During the effort, three minors were identified and connected with protective services. Ten adults were transported to access shelter, advocacy, and other support services.
As part of the effort to prevent the sexual exploitation of minors, investigators identified six individuals seeking to exploit children. Those individuals were arrested and charged with felony offenses. These efforts are part of Seattle’s ongoing commitment to advancing survivor safety, preventing exploitation, holding those responsible accountable, and promoting the well-being of the broader community.
The City’s central goal in these efforts is to support individuals in accessing safety, stabilization, and ongoing services, including advocacy, medical care, housing, and long-term support. If you or someone you know needs support related to trafficking, exploitation, domestic violence or sexual assault, help is available. Visit support resources to find advocacy, safety planning, legal support, and community-based services. If you need immediate support or have information to share, please reach out to the CARE Department by calling 9-1-1 or the nonemergency line at 206-625-5011.
Many cases are solved because someone stepped forward, pointed us in the right direction, or provided information when no other leads existed. If you have information, please reach out to the tip line at 206-233-5000.