Human Trafficking Awareness Walk Saturday in Elk Grove

Anti- advocates and survivors of the crime will gather in Elk Grove Saturday for a 5K walk and to promote an anti-human trafficking measure on the November ballot.

The "Walk for Justice 2012," organized by the groups California Against Slavery and the Safer California Foundation, will begin at 8 a.m. at Elk Grove Regional Park, 9950 Elk Grove-Florin Rd. Registration is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. and costs $35.

"Human trafficking is said to be one of the fastest growing criminal enterprises in the world –and it is taking place right here in our own backyard," the organizers said in a press release touting Proposition 35. That ballot measure would provide for harsher penalties for human traffickers, require those convicted to register as sex offenders and provide information about their online profiles, and require extra training for law enforcement officers, according to the Secretary of State's website.

Saturday's walk in Elk Grove will be followed by music, entertainment, speakers and a self-defense demonstration. Advocates and human trafficking survivors will speak.

A similar event is planned for San Diego later this month and Long Beach in September.

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