UPDATE: First Lady Cecilia Abbott is rallying Texans to combat human trafficking through a powerful interfaith initiative. Kicking off from January 5 through January 11, 2025, the sixth annual Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) Week of Prayer aims to galvanize the community during Human Trafficking Prevention Month.
This urgent call to action seeks to unite faith-based organizations across Texas in a collective stance against exploitation. “Nothing is stronger than Texans standing together through prayer and action,” stated Abbott. Her message highlights the importance of community resolve in tackling this pressing issue.
The initiative encourages Texans to dedicate time to prayer and reflection, focusing on daily themes that include raising awareness of human trafficking, supporting trauma-informed investigations, and promoting healing for survivors. The comprehensive approach aims to address the multifaceted challenge of human trafficking, both legally and emotionally.
The Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) is fully backing this initiative. Commissioner Audrey O’Neill and DFPS Director of Human Trafficking Blanca Lance have called upon all Texans to engage actively in the week’s events. They recently released the 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month guide, which provides educational resources and community support options to empower residents in the fight against this crisis.
As the week unfolds, officials express hope that the combined efforts of prayer and community engagement will not only comfort those affected but also disrupt the cycle of trafficking. Abbott reinforces the message of solidarity, urging Texans to join GRACE in its mission to protect the vulnerable.
The urgency of this initiative cannot be overstated, as human trafficking remains a critical issue affecting countless lives. Community actions, including prayer and awareness, are essential in fostering support, healing, and justice for victims.
As the event draws near, the state of Texas exemplifies a commitment to eradicating human trafficking, showing that change is possible through collective action. This week of prayer is just one step in a broader movement to ensure that those in need find refuge and justice in their communities.
Stay tuned for more updates as Texas stands firm in its commitment to combat human trafficking through prayer, awareness, and action.
