Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach receives funding from the Florida Attorney General's Office for our Bakhita Empowerment Program, serving victims of human trafficking. This funding is possible because of the Victim of Crime Act. The Crime Victims Fund (the Fund) was established by the Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) of 1984. The Fund is financed by fines and penalties paid by persons convicted in federal cases, not from tax dollars.
The Bakhita Empowerment Program provides intensive case management to victims of human trafficking in the 5 county diocese of Palm Beach. They are one of the only agencies serving adult victims in the Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. Services include housing, employment, substance abuse treatment, trauma informed mental health, and case management services aimed at building their self-sufficiency as they build a new life free from dependence on their trafficker. Last year, they served 93 victims locally.
Attorney General Moody is committed to make Florida a zero-tolerance state for human trafficking. Since taking office, Attorney General Moody has formed multiple initiatives to fight this atrocious crime, from launching the Highway Heroes Campaign that aims to train Florida truck drivers to spot trafficking to creating the 100 Percent Club to recognize Florida businesses and organizations taking steps to train all employees on the signs of human trafficking and more. Attorney General Moody also serves as Chair of the Statewide Council on Human Trafficking and her Office of Statewide Prosecution holds a nearly 100% conviction rate in human trafficking cases.
According to the U.S. Department of State, there are an estimated 27.6 million victims of human trafficking worldwide at any given time. Victims of human trafficking include children, women, and men who are subjected to sexual exploitation or forced labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Human trafficking knows no borders whether physical or virtual. It is a heinous crime that is a threat to our communities.
This project was supported by Award No. VOCA-C-2023-Catholic Charities of the Dioces-00154 awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs. Sponsored by (Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Palm Beach, Inc) and the state of Florida.
