Compton Relaunches Human Trafficking Task Force to Protect Survivors and Provide Trauma Informed Care

By Marion Apio

Compton city leaders and community partners gathered on Wednesday, Oct. 29, to relaunch the Human Trafficking Task Force, a collaborative effort to provide trauma-informed care, prevention, and advocacy for survivors. 

The initiative brings together law enforcement, service providers, faith-based organizations, schools, and survivor leaders to address human trafficking in the region.

“Our goal is to support, restore, and defend the survivors,” said Deatra Handy, who doubles as the program director for Restoration Diversion Services and a lead organizer of the relaunched event. “They are not who people say they are. This is a fight for women who have been forcibly exploited, and Compton is supposed to be a sanctuary—a safety net for young women to seek refuge.”

Handy emphasized the city’s commitment to prevention and awareness. 

“We start educating students in junior high schools because by the time girls reach 15 or 16, many are already vulnerable to exploitation,” she said.  “Prevention is key. Awareness is key. And supporting survivors is our priority.” 

She described distributing personal safety items such as window breakers and locks as part of the task force’s mission to protect women from traffickers. Although the task force was disbanded during COVID-19, the trafficking did not stop but got even more sophisticated. 

“Now, we’re bringing everyone back together to coordinate, share ideas, and strengthen our response,” said Handy. “The mission is clear: unite city leaders, law enforcement, service providers, schools, and survivors to prevent trafficking, raise awareness, and restore lives.”

“Human trafficking is a serious crime that preys on the vulnerable,” Sharif said. “Compton remains committed to protecting our residents and building a community free from exploitation. Together with our regional partners, we are working to prevent trafficking, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable.”

Councilmember Lillie P. Darden, representing the Fourth District in Compton, called human trafficking a lifelong concern. 

“We must address the root causes—mental health, housing instability, food insecurity—and provide resources that give our young people real opportunities, so they don’t become victims,” Darden said. “This work is personal for me and vital for our city.”

Other officials echoed the call for a trauma-informed approach. 

Ken Henry, CEO and Founder at Kentagious Kollective, also a former collaborator on similar projects in Houston, emphasized equitable treatment, collaboration and planning in the justice system. 

“When cases come up, they should be treated consistently to ensure accountability and fairness,” Henry said.

The event also featured survivors sharing their experiences, highlighting the complex realities of trafficking and domestic violence.

Cat Clark Perkins, Chief Executive Officer of the Catron Academy Learning Institute in South Los Angeles, shared her poem as a survivor of domestic and sexual violence. 

She stressed the importance of survivor-led support and long-term, flexible resources. 

Brena Robinson, a domestic violence advocate with Young Women Christian Association, tied the issues of abuse and trafficking together. 

“Many victims first experience violence at home,” Robinson said. “That trauma makes them vulnerable to manipulation and exploitation. Our work addresses the full picture—trauma, safety, economic barriers, and the urgent need for community support.”

Leaders emphasized that ending trafficking requires collective action across local and regional stakeholders, with a focus on education, trauma-informed care, and empowering survivors.

“Every face in this room represents someone who cares,” Handy said. “By standing together, we are protecting our children, restoring lives, and building a safer community for all.”