The speakers, Michael Madieros and “Chef” Dave Hall, from the organization Stairways Programming, discussed different types of trafficking: gang, familial, domestic violence driven, migrant/immigration, drug and homeless. All of these, they said, can be found in northern California and most occur in Chico.

 “Of the 36 women in our housing, 24 of them, ranging in ages from 12-60, reported being trafficked in the last year,” Madieros said.

 The pair said the best approach to helping victims is to continue to raise people's awareness of the issue. By doing that, citizens can help change people's perceptions of trafficking and sexual assault.