PHOENIX (AZFamily) — As sex trafficking cases rise in Maricopa County, officials are launching a new awareness campaign to help residents recognize its signs and report it.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office campaign, called “Break the Chain‚” will use social media, digital platforms and television ads to educate communities. Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell said human trafficking can be difficult to detect because traffickers often use manipulation to control victims.
“Unlike many other crimes, human trafficking is not easy to notice,” Mitchell said in a written statement. “Traffickers are master manipulators and will entice victims with false job offers, romantic relationships, or promises of money. Many times, victims don’t realize they are in a trafficking situation.”
The county attorney’s office reports that sex trafficking case submittals from law enforcement have increased significantly in recent years. In 2023, the office received 107 sex trafficking-related case submittals. That number rose to 172 in 2024, a 60% increase.
Officials said many of those cases involve buyers identified through sting operations or traffickers exploiting children online.
The campaign is part of a broader push tied to enforcement efforts in an area known as “The Blade,” along 27th Avenue near Indian School Road. MCAO is working with several police agencies to disrupt trafficking activity and improve safety in the area.
Anyone who believes they may be a victim of trafficking, or who suspects trafficking, is urged to contact the Arizona Human Trafficking Tipline at 1-877-4-AZTIPS (1-877-429-8477) or submit a report online at azactic.gov.
Officials said people making a report should be prepared to explain what they saw, where and when it happened, and why it seemed suspicious.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Authorities said people should never confront a suspected trafficker or victim.
More information is available on the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office Break the Chain website.
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