Town Of North Hempstead Recognizes Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Town Supervisor Jennifer DeSena, Council Members Robert Troiano, Jr., Peter Zuckerman, Dennis Walsh, Veronica Lurvey, and Mariann Dalimonte along with Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava welcomed Jennifer Rowland of The Safe Center LI to Town Hall on January 24. Town officials presented a proclamation of recognition officially declaring January as National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This month is dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and educating individuals on ways to identify and prevent it.

Council Member Lurvey introduced Rowland, citing some alarming statistics. “Tonight we’re pleased to welcome Jennifer Rowland from the Safe Center Long Island in recognition of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Since 2010, January has been dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and ways to identify and prevent it. Unfortunately, according to the US Department of Justice, Long Island is among the top 20 Human Trafficking jurisdictions in the country.”

In stark terms, Rowland defined human trafficking and affirmed that Long Island is not exempt from this practice. “It is time to educate ourselves about human trafficking, and especially to learn how to recognize the signs here on Long Island. Human trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, or training of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act or labor services through the use of force fraud and coercion. It is a multibillion dollar underground industry. Traffickers prey upon victims regardless of age, race, religion, nationality, or gender identity. Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery. It exists in this country, including all the states, and it is present right here on Long Island.”

Rowland also spoke to the Safe Center’s mission for helping people escape dangerous, oppressive situations. “Our human trafficking department clients include both male and female victims. Services are provided in multiple languages and include both individual and group therapy by licensed clinicians, crisis counseling, court advocacy, community referrals and case management. The Safe Center also works closely with other agencies and organizations across Long Island to develop a collaborative response for victims of trafficking.”

Nassau county was among the first counties to receive Safe Harbor funding. Safe Harbor programs establish a network of child welfare programs, public safety and medical professionals to help identify victims of child commercial sexual exploitation. “I am proud to say that Nassau County’s Department of Social Services has designated the safe center as their primary referral source for child trafficking across the county. Additionally, our education department conducts trainings and education sessions for professionals and community members on human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation.”

—With contributions from Town of North Hempstead and the Safe Center