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.

 

  

P R O C L A M A T I O N (word document)

P R O C L A M A T I O N (pdf document)

In December our branch enlisted the help of the following mayors in proclaiming January 11th, 2014 as Human Trafficking Day

Manalapan Township      Mayor Susan Cohen   (December 11, 2013)

Freehold Borough            Mayor Nolan Higgins   (December 16, 2013)

Freehold Township          Mayor Barbara McMorrow   (December 17, 2013)

Jackson Township            Mayor Michael Reina   (December 19, 2013)

Marlboro Township          Mayor Jonathan Hornik  (December 19, 2013)

These Proclamations made local residents of the communities in which our members reside aware of the terrible toll that Human Trafficking exacts in terms of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts. Women and girls account for 75-80% of its victims. These victims undergo harrowing experiences and face a long and difficult process of healing and recovery. Human Trafficking Awareness was adopted as a mission by our branch after hearing Danielle Buckley Assistant Atlantic County Prosecutor speak at our Fall Focus Meeting.

Thanks to all members who were able to make these Proclamation Council Meetings.

Manalapan Township – Human Trafficking Proclamation – at December 11, 2013 Township Meeting

Freehold Township – Human Trafficking Proclamation – at December 17, 2013 Township Meeting

Marlboro Township – Human Trafficking Proclamation – at December 19, 2013 Township Meeting

Human Traficking Statistics

NJ Human Trafficking Prevention Protection and Treatment Act

NJ Coalition Flyer

Nj Coalition Against Human Trafficking

AAUW Freehold Branch Human Trafficking Awareness Program (2014)