March 9, 2018

SSJs to host human trafficking awareness program April 5

REGIONAL
Staff report

A public awareness poster at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., calls attention to the problem of human trafficking. Pope Francis has called for prayers to end the “shameful scourge” of human trafficking. (CNS photo/Tom Tracy) 

HOLYOKE – The Justice and Peace Committee of the Sisters of St. Joseph will host an educational program on human trafficking at 1p.m. on April 5 at Mont Marie, 34 Lower Westfield Road, Holyoke.

In what amounts to modern slavery, children, women, and men are exploited by force, fraud, and coercion in a multi-billion dollar commercial sex and labor industry that operates below the surface, but in our midst.

A panel of experts will present an overview of the problem and its effects in western Massachusetts.

Speakers will include Donna Sabella, UMass Seedworks endowed associate professor of nursing and social justice and international expert in human trafficking’s clinical implications for women; Nicole Bell, founder and director of Living in Freedom Together, a survivor-led agency in Worcester, Mass.; Capt. Pi Downsbrough, a 26-year veteran of the Massachusetts State Police and commander of the High Risk Victim Unit, which focuses on sexual exploitation of children and youth; and Dr. Jessica Wozniak, clinical research and development manager at Baystate Children’s  Hospital’s Family Advocacy Center in Springfield and a leader of the Hampden County Coalition to Identify and Prevent Sexual Exploitation of Children.

The April 5 program is designed for elected officials, law enforcement, health care and education professionals, as well as those in the faith community and the general public.

The event is free but registration is requested. Please contact Pam Lasante at 413-536-0853 or pam@ssjspringfield.com to register.