Santa Rosa Police Department arrested three people connected to at least five illicit massage parlors operating in Santa Rosa and Petaluma. At least three of those businesses were shut down during the enforcement action. Women working at the establishments reported exploitative practices and sought assistance to leave. The city implemented new ordinances and a proactive strategy over the past year to combat human trafficking. The police department is working with the survivor support network Verity to provide services and recovery support. Verity handles hundreds of human trafficking cases annually in Sonoma County and emphasizes the need for informed public understanding.
"It seems to be working. We have every expectation that we're going to be able to stamp this out in our city," Stapp said.
"For all survivors of human trafficking, having a support person who can help them navigate services and get them the support that they need at that time is so critical," Fein said.
"There's a real lack of understanding of what human trafficking is and what it can look like, and I think there's a real Hollywood effect around it," Fein said.
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