Bridgeport, CT— Since 2008, more than 1,000 children between the ages of 2 and 18 have been referred to the Connecticut Department of Children and Families as possible victims of child trafficking.

The report from the Human Anti-trafficking Response Team states, “that most of these victims were living with a parent or guardian when the suspected trafficking occurred.”

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and The Center for Family Justice is hoping to raise awareness about the issue by hosting a virtual forum on Tuesday, January 30 at 11 a.m.

Debra Greenwood, CFJ’s President and CEO, said the community needs to understand that human trafficking is a local issue, and should know how to protect themselves and their families.

“Those who would traffic teens communicate with them through texting, through messaging on social media apps or going to places where teenagers hang out,” Greenwood said. “Families and individuals everywhere need to know the signs because anyone can be vulnerable.”

All are welcome to attend this panel. CFJ staff hopes students, parents, community organizations and local leaders will tune in.

Confirmed speakers include:

  • Alina Marquez Reynolds – General Counsel and Justice Initiative Deputy Director for Grace Farms Foundation
  • Melanie Kmetz – DCF Program Supervisor, Bureau of Quality Improvement and Strategic Planning. Melanie is a Tri-Chair for the Connecticut Anti-Trafficking Council and a founding member of the DCF Human Anti-Trafficking Response Team.
  • Genesis Polanco – Director, Project Rescue at the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants.
  • Lt. Albert Karpus – Bridgeport Police Department

To register for this free and open event, follow this link.

Questions about the virtual forum can be directed to CFJ’s Development Department at (203) 334-6154.

For general questions about The Center for Family Justice or our Online Training Institute, please reach out to Amanda Posila, Director of Prevention & Community Engagement, at aposila@centerforfamilyjustice.org.

 

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About Center for Family Justice

The mission of The Center for Family Justice is to break the cycle of domestic, sexual, and child abuse and violence by providing services that create hope, restore lives and drive social change through education and community collaboration.

Our vision is to end domestic and sexual abuse and violence in our communities.

We believe that:

  • Everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
  • Collaboration with our clients, partners and communities is vital to achieve individualized choice, success and empowerment.
  • Trust is essential for our work in building self-sufficient survivors.
  • Compassion and hope allow people to thrive and feel safe.
  • Community education, awareness and outreach are essential to drive and maintain social change and justice.

 

For more information about The Center for Family Justice, visit www.centerforfamilyjustice.org or call (203)334-6154. CFJ is located at 753 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT and serves the towns of Bridgeport, Easton, Fairfield, Monroe, Stratford, and Trumbull.

 

24/7 Hotline Numbers:

 

  • Domestic violence (203) 384-9559
  • Sexual abuse (203) 333-2233
  • Spanish (203) 568-8332