The issue of human trafficking was the focus of a recent panel presentation at the Queens Family Justice Center in Kew Gardens that was held in partnership with the Great Queens Chapter of Links, Inc.
“The Mayor’s Office to Combat Domestic Violence is committed to put a spotlight on the issue of human trafficking and provide victims with the services they need,” said Commissioner Yolanda B. Jimenez.
The New York City campaign Let’s End Human Trafficking Now explains that it “involves recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining of people for the purpose of various forms of exploitation. Victims are often controlled through force, fraud or coercion.”
During the Wednesday, February 2 panel, human trafficking survivor Shelia White shared her experiences. In addition, representatives of city agencies and organizations spoke about services available to victims and efforts being made to address the issue.
Pat Thomas, president of the Queens Chapter of Links, said, “We are proud to once again partner with the Queens Family Justice Center to raise awareness of and solicit action from agency and governmental representatives to stop human trafficking, which, like domestic abuse, exploits women and children and stunts their potential for having productive lives.”
The city operates Family Justice Centers in Queens, the Bronx and Brooklyn. In addition to aiding victims of domestic violence, the centers “identify human trafficking victims and connect them to critical services.”
“We want to assure victims that they are not alone and that help is available to them at any of our Family Justice Centers or simply by calling 3-1-1,” Jimenez said.
Information and resources about human trafficking are also available at www.nyc.gov/endhumantrafficking.
“Human trafficking is a human rights abuse that must be stopped,” said Carol Robles-Roman, Deputy Mayor for Legal Affairs. “The mayor’s office is working with law enforcement, service providers, the private sector, and policy makers to raise awareness about this crime. Through increased public education, enforcement of New York’s strong anti-exploitation laws, and provision of comprehensive services to survivors, we can call an end to human trafficking.”
