First Lady Cecilia Abbott has launched a statewide initiative aimed at combating human trafficking, coinciding with the sixth annual Week of Prayer to End Human Trafficking. The event, organized under the Governor’s Response Against Child Exploitation (GRACE), will take place from January 5 to January 11, 2025, during Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Abbott’s call seeks to unify Texans in prayer and action to raise awareness and bolster efforts against exploitation.
In her announcement, First Lady Abbott emphasized the power of community solidarity, stating, “Nothing is stronger than Texans standing together through prayer and action.” This sentiment reflects the initiative’s goal of engaging faith-based organizations and individuals in a collective response to human trafficking.
Community Engagement and Daily Intentions
The Week of Prayer aims to increase understanding of human trafficking and encourage participants to discern their role in preventing exploitation and supporting survivors. Daily prayer intentions will focus on various aspects of the issue, including raising awareness, supporting trauma-informed investigations, and promoting healing for survivors. These intentions are designed to approach human trafficking from both legal and emotional perspectives.
Among the daily focuses are prayers for actionable intelligence and the strengthening of those within the justice system. This multifaceted approach aims to tackle the complexities of human trafficking while fostering a supportive environment for victims.
Participation in the initiative has also been encouraged by Audrey O’Neill, Commissioner of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), alongside Blanca Lance, DFPS Director of Human Trafficking. They have highlighted the release of the 2026 Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness Month guide, which offers educational resources and community support to empower Texans in their fight against this pressing issue.
Hope for Change Through Solidarity
The overarching hope expressed by First Lady Abbott and state officials is that the collective efforts of prayer and engagement will provide comfort to victims while actively disrupting the cycle of trafficking. The initiative reflects a firm belief in the power of solidarity to enact meaningful change. Texas aims to serve as a model in the fight against human trafficking, demonstrating that commitment extends beyond prayer to active involvement in the justice system and community safety.
As the week progresses, Texans are urged to dedicate time to this cause, contributing to a united front against exploitation. The collaborative spirit of this observance seeks not only to support those affected but also to pave the way for systemic change that addresses the root causes of human trafficking.
