UPDATE: First Lady Cecilia Abbott has urgently called on Texans to unite against human trafficking as the Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE) initiative’s sixth annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking kicks off from January 5 through January 11, 2025. This significant event aligns with Human Trafficking Prevention Month, aiming to mobilize the faith-based community in a critical stand against exploitation.
In her official announcement, Abbott emphasized the importance of collective action, stating, “Nothing is stronger than Texans standing together through prayer and action.” She urged individuals to take dedicated moments throughout the week to join GRACE, reinforcing the vital role that community engagement plays in protecting the vulnerable and supporting survivors.
Each day of the week will feature specific prayer intentions aimed at exposing exploiters, increasing community awareness, and promoting healing for victims. This comprehensive approach seeks to address human trafficking from multiple angles, incorporating both legal and emotional support mechanisms. Participants are encouraged to pray for actionable intelligence and the strengthening of those in the justice system, underscoring the urgent need for systemic change.
Officials from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), including Commissioner Audrey O’Neill and Director of Human Trafficking Blanca Lance, have voiced their support for this initiative. They recently announced the release of the 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month guide, which includes educational resources and community outreach strategies designed to empower Texans in the fight against this pressing issue.
As the week unfolds, Abbott and state officials hope that the combined efforts of prayer and heightened community engagement will not only provide comfort but also effectively disrupt the cycle of trafficking. This initiative reflects Texas’s unwavering commitment to eradicating human trafficking, extending far beyond prayer into tangible actions that protect and uplift the vulnerable.
Texans are encouraged to join this vital movement, with daily reflections designed to foster support, healing, and justice for those affected by human trafficking. The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated, as community actions are believed to be crucial in addressing the needs of victims.
The message is clear: together, Texans can create a powerful force against human trafficking. With the GRACE initiative leading the charge, the hope is to build a safer, more aware community dedicated to eradicating exploitation and ensuring justice for all.
