October 10 Human Trafficking In America: A Survivor’s Story

Human Trafficking In America: A Survivor’s Story

 

Safe Harbour Putnam County is proud to present Human Trafficking in America: A Survivor’s Story on Wednesday, October 10^th, from 7-9 pm at the TOPS Auditorium at 112 Old Route 6 in Carmel. Admission is free. Due to the graphic nature of the topic, this presentation is not suitable for young children.

Human Trafficking in America: A Survivor’s Story is the true-life story of Jen Spry. At the age of eight, Jen Spry was trafficked by her neighbor. No one knew it was happening. No one ever intervened.  “No one ever came looking for me,” says Spry, “because I never went missing. People need to realize that many young girls are trafficked while still living in their own homes, just like I was. You don’t have to run away or be abducted to be trafficked.”

Jen Spry’s story is one of survival, resilience and hope.  A registered nurse, entrepreneur, author, and international speaker, she draws from her personal and professional experience to raise awareness about the epidemic of human trafficking, how if affected her, and how she overcame the trauma of her experience. The presentation will also discuss the signs of human trafficking, who’s at risk of being trafficked, what to do if you suspect a child is being trafficked, and what adults can do to protect children.

Human Trafficking, also known as Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children (CSEC) is a form of modern day slavery in which children are sold for sexual purposes. Every year it is estimated that more than 300,000 American youth are at risk for trafficking and that 100,000 are trafficked into the commercial sex trade. All youth are at risk, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status.

“This is a presentation that all parents should see,” said Putnam County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “To successfully combat human trafficking we need to understand what it is, what it looks like, and who the perpetrators are that victimize youth. We have to break the culture of shame and silence that surround it.”

Safe Harbour Putnam County is a program of the Putnam County Department of Social Services and is funded by a grant from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services. Safe Harbour Putnam County provides support and services to youth survivors of human trafficking and those at risk of being trafficked.

For more information contact marybeth.ross@putnamcountyny.gov  or call (845)808-1500 x45350.