Human Trafficking Is Happening Here in the Big Country

6th Annual Beyond Trafficking – Walk for Freedom

This October 19th, the 6th Annual Beyond Trafficking Walk for Freedom will once again take to the streets of Abilene, uniting the community to fight against human trafficking. This event serves as a day of both global awareness and local action, highlighting the urgent need to end human trafficking right here in West Texas.

Participants will walk through the heart of the city, holding posters and distributing resource flyers, aiming to spread awareness and share vital information about how to combat trafficking. Beyond Trafficking, led by the incredible efforts of founder Stephanie Rocha, seeks to educate, inspire, and equip the community to stand together in this fight. We are better together.

If you’re a community partner or resource organization and want to be involved, you can sign up here. Walk participants are encouraged to register via the A21 registration form provided in the flyer. For any questions or further details, visit the Beyond Trafficking website.

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Walk Details:

• Date: Saturday, October 19th
• Location: Everman Park, North 1st and Pine Street
• Registration: Starts at 8 AM (Walk begins at 9 AM)
• Event Time: 9 AM – 12 PM
  The walk is free to attend and is a family-friendly event that welcomes individuals of all ages.

Recap from Last Year: Raising Awareness, Changing Lives

Last year’s Walk for Freedom was an incredible success, with hundreds of participants coming together to shine a light on the often-hidden issue of human trafficking. Many were shocked to learn that West Texas is part of a major trafficking route. The walk served as an opportunity for the community to not only raise awareness but to unite in offering support to survivors.

Stephanie Rocha emphasized the importance of Beyond Trafficking's work, stating, "Our faith-based organization aims to bring awareness through education to the injustice of human trafficking. We collaborate with multiple organizations and volunteers to provide services to survivors, including medical, dental, mental health, counseling, legal, and financial resources. We also implement mentor programs to help survivors re-orient to their daily lives."

The walk, which is held annually, is not a fundraiser but a powerful symbol of solidarity with trafficking victims. Participants are encouraged to wear all black, symbolizing the silent, voiceless experience many victims endure. As Rocha said last year, "We walk in single-file, in silence, because the victims of trafficking have also been voiceless."

As we gear up for the upcoming walk on October 19th, we encourage everyone to join us in this fight. Whether through walking, volunteering, or spreading the word, your involvement makes a difference.