While there is no clear statistics on the severity of trafficking in Kern County, local victim’s advocates agree that it is a big problem.

Now there is finally a crisis and intervention shelter for girls that have been victims of exploitation and abuse.

Today the Kern County Daughter Project held a ribbon cutting ceremony.

The Daughter Project will work with at risk girls ages 12 to 18 helping them to gain long-term stability and connect them with mentors to build on their own self-worth.

A coalition of victim’s advocates including intervention teams targeting hot spots such as Union Avenue, which is known to be an area of high street-based trafficking and exploitation.

The shelter is expected to open by early next year. Once it is open there will be a hotline for girls to call if they need help.

The Kern County Daughter Project still needs the community’s help.

Click here for more information on how to donate.