PHOENIX — Throughout the month of January, the Arizona State Capitol Executive Tower is once again lit blue in recognition of Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This national initiative reaffirms Arizona’s commitment to fighting all forms of exploitation through public awareness, coordinated action, survivor-centered support, and holding traffickers and buyers accountable.
Human trafficking is a crime that uses force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or income. Globally, an estimated 27 million people are impacted by trafficking. In Arizona, the average age in which sex trafficking begins is 15.6 years old. Underscoring the importance of prevention, early intervention, and strong protections for youth and other vulnerable populations.
Progress and Impact
Administered by the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family (GOYFF), the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona has helped lead the state’s coordinated response to trafficking since 2014. To date, the Council has trained over 70,000 professionals and community members, including law enforcement personnel, medical providers, educators, and representatives from service organizations. Individuals are trained to recognize trafficking, how to respond safely, and connect individuals to critical support services. This work is strengthened by Statewide Human Trafficking Task Forces, which provide localized coordination and insights that help inform effective policy and practice.
Arizona continues to invest in prevention, survivor services, and accountability efforts. The GOYFF administers approximately $3.3 million annually through the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Grant, with current funding supporting three programs focused on the intersection between sex trafficking and domestic violence, sexual violence, dating violence and stalking: the Arizona Department of Child Safety (DCS), the Maricopa County Superior Court, and Arizona State University (ASU)’s Office of Sex Trafficking Intervention Research (STIR). Since fiscal year 2023, these programs have trained nearly 8,000 professionals statewide and provided services to more than 1,500 survivors, helping them access care, stability, and pathways to safety. The next grant application period for interested and eligible organizations will open in Fall 2026.
Governor Katie Hobbs’ zero-tolerance approach to human trafficking is further supported through state investment in law enforcement and victim-centered responses. In State Fiscal Year 2026, the Arizona State Legislature allocated $1.6 million to the Anti-Human Trafficking Grant Fund, administered by the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). Combined with $2.2 million in unused funds from the prior year, approximately $3.8 million was made available. DPS awarded more than $4 million to 20 local law enforcement agencies across Arizona, strengthening investigations, training, and survivor-focused response efforts statewide.
Arizona also remains a leader in intelligence gathering and reporting through its Human Trafficking Tip Line (1-877-4AZ-TIPS), a partnership between the Arizona Counter Terrorism and Information Center (ACTIC) and ASU STIR. Since its launch in February 2023, the Tip Line has assisted 882 individuals and received 66 substantiated human trafficking tips, which were submitted to law enforcement.
“Arizona is committed to preventing human trafficking in every corner of our state and ensuring victims have access to the support they need,” said Tonya Hamilton, the GOYFF Director and Tribal Liaison. “Through collaboration among the Governor’s Council to Combat Human Trafficking in Arizona, state agencies, and community partners, we are empowering youth, Tribal Nations, and communities statewide to be part of the solution. Anyone can be affected by trafficking, and by continuing to invest in prevention, early intervention, and survivor services, we can work together to stop this crime and protect those affected across Arizona.”
Get Involved
The Executive Tower will remain lit blue throughout the month of January. All Arizonans are encouraged to take part:
• Social Media: Access the GOYFF’s 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit, which includes social media graphics, sample messaging, and the 2026 State of Arizona Proclamation. For national resources, visit the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign Toolkits.
• Training: The GOYFF, in partnership with the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network (AATN) and ASU STIR, will host a free Human Trafficking 101 Training on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The training will cover common myths, warning signs, and prevention strategies relevant to all community members. Register here.
To report suspected trafficking or seek help for yourself or someone you know, call the Arizona Human Trafficking Tip Line at 1-877-4AZ-TIPS or submit a tip online at azactic.gov.
