McKenna Fitzpatrick, "Human Trafficking in Ventura County: It's Happening in Your Own Backyard" -- Los Angeles Daily Journal

Pepperdine Caruso Law third-year student McKenna Fitzpatrick's opinion article, "Human Trafficking in Ventura County: It's Happening in Your Own Backyard," has been published in the Los Angeles Daily Journal. The article examines how to identify and combat human trafficking in local counties. 

Fitzpatrick commented, "I wanted this article to showcase how serious human trafficking is, and how it is not just an international issue. Although there is not much data on the intersection between foster care and human trafficking for privacy reasons, I hope to raise awareness on how this population is more vulnerable and what we can do to provide solutions and hope. “

At Caruso Law, Fitzpatrick is the vice president of volunteer coordination for Advocates for Public Interest Law, and a student ambassador. She recently completed a clerkship at the Ventura County District Attorney's Office.

Excerpt from "Human Trafficking in Ventura County: It's Happening in Your Own Backyard"

Implementing a statewide training program within schools across California can potentially save hundreds to thousands of victims. Additionally, having more social media restrictions for minors, especially when it comes to direct messaging, can be another practical step, as well as holding these social media platforms accountable for what happens on their platforms.

The complete article may be found at the Daily Journal (subscription required)