The Freehold Area Branch of AAUW Sponsored a Human Trafficking Awareness meeting that was held on Wednesday, April 23rd, at the Freehold Township Senior Center.  This was a most informative and pretty terrifying event, showing us the horror of modern day slavery.

Detective Sean Murphy from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office gave a power-point presentation highlighting the kinds of situations that arise right in our own area. Assemblywoman Carolyn Casagrande spoke about meeting with young women (girls, really) who had been kicked out on the streets by their families and forced into terrible situations. Finally, Congressman Chris Smith gave us the history of his efforts since the 1990’s to bring an end to human trafficking both in the U.S. and world-wide. He also reported that he is now trying to get the equivalent of “Megan’s Law” passed internationally.

An extensive question period followed with Rep. Smith and Detective Murphy both staying after the meeting for nearly an hour. See the article in the Asbury Park Press which was published after the meeting.

Many thanks to Freehold Township Committeewoman (and AAUW Member) Barbara McMorrow for moderating the meeting.