A task force has been established to combat human trafficking in Butler County, and organizers say its upcoming event is a collaborative effort among several entities.

The plan to hold a Wednesday event, which will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Diamond Park on Human Trafficking Awareness Day, is just one step in a longer journey, according to Danielle Schmidt, executive director of the Children’s Advocacy Center.

The county has been working to establish the Human Trafficking Task Force for over a year, and hired a task force coordinator in July 2022.

“The task force is now ready to move toward the next steps, providing consistent and accurate education and training to the community,” Schmidt said.

Dozens of local agencies are involved in the group, including the advocacy center, VOICe, Butler County Courts and District Attorney offices, Children and Youth Services, local law enforcement, and juvenile and adult probation, among others.

Schmidt said no data is currently available about the amount of trafficking in the county, but it is prevalent enough to need combating.

“Over the past few years, we have been involved with several children who have been victims of trafficking. As the task force continues, we anticipate having more statistical data to share,” she said.

The goal of Wednesday’s event is to get folks involved and answer questions, Schmidt said.

“To bring awareness to our friends, neighbors, businesses, schools, and assure the community that we are aware this is an issue here and that the county is committed to implementing efforts to combat human trafficking,” she said.

Educational resources will be provided at Wednesday’s event.