UPDATE: First Lady Cecilia Abbott is spearheading an urgent initiative to combat human trafficking, launching the sixth annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking from January 5 through January 11, 2025. This event, part of the Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative, aims to unite Texans in a powerful stand against exploitation during Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
The First Lady urges all Texans to come together in prayer and action, emphasizing the importance of community involvement. “Nothing is stronger than Texans standing together through prayer and action,” Abbott stated, highlighting the collective strength of the community in fighting against this pressing issue.
In her statement, Abbott called on residents to dedicate moments each day to support GRACE’s efforts, asserting that such actions are vital for protecting vulnerable individuals and aiding survivors. The week will feature daily prayer intentions focused on critical aspects of combating human trafficking, including raising awareness, exposing exploiters, and promoting healing for survivors.
Officials from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), including Commissioner Audrey O’Neill and Director of Human Trafficking Blanca Lance, have joined in rallying support for this initiative. They have also released the 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month guide, which is packed with educational resources designed to empower Texans in their fight against human trafficking.
As the week unfolds, the hope is to not only provide comfort but also to actively disrupt the cycle of trafficking, as articulated by Abbott and state officials. Daily reflections will encourage participants to pray for actionable intelligence and the strengthening of justice system personnel, aiming for a comprehensive approach to the crisis.
The event serves as a call to action for the faith-based community and all Texans, urging them to engage deeply with the pressing realities of human trafficking. With a firm belief that solidarity can lead to significant change, Texas is demonstrating its commitment to eradicate this dire issue.
As community members join hands in prayer and advocacy, their collective efforts are expected to foster support, healing, and justice for victims of human trafficking. The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated—every moment counts in the fight against exploitation.
Stay tuned for more updates as Texas leads the charge in this vital movement, showing that prayer and action can create a lasting impact in the lives of those affected by human trafficking.
