Human Trafficking Awareness Event in Jefferson City, MO

On Tuesday, January 26th the MO State Legislature held a Human Trafficking Awareness Day, hosted by State Senator Jamilah Nasheed in collaboration with the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence.  Over 50 organizations from throughout Missouri were present to share information and resources about human trafficking, in particular sex trafficking.  The Sisters of Charity of the Incarnate Word were present as well, sharing information about our Corporate Stance Against Human Trafficking, prayer cards of St. Bakhita, and information about our Hispanic ministry El Puente in Jefferson City.  Sr. Barbara who is a staff person for El Puente was present, along with Sr. Laura (CCVI in Jefferson City) and Jennifer Reyes Lay (Assistant Director of Congregational JPIC Office).

In the morning, organizations gathered with tables of information on the 3rd floor rotunda, as we visited with one another, sharing information, and engaging in conversation about human trafficking and sex trafficking here in Missouri.  It was very inspiring and hopeful to see how many organizations are working to end human trafficking and support survivors!

In the afternoon at 1:00pm there was a ceremony to mark January as the official sex trafficking awareness month, which was approved through the MO legislature last year through Senate Concurrent Resolution 1.  The Mistress of Ceremony was Teresa Moore, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Coordinator for the Office of Human Trafficking.  Ms. Moore read the governor's proclamation declaring January sex trafficking awareness month.  A few representatives and senators were present to offer words of support in the joint work to end sex trafficking in Missouri.

The most powerful presentation came from Christine McDonald, a survivor of sex trafficking who founded Christine's Voice and runs the Restoration House of Greater Kansas City.  Christine shared about how she was first trafficked as a young child by her own mother, and from there was passed around for about 15 years before she was finally able to escape and reclaim her freedom.  Due to the abuse and drug addiction she suffered while being trafficked, she lost her sight.  But she hasn't let that stop her from being a powerful advocate on behalf of other victims of human trafficking, and she told us she looks forward to the day when she puts herself out of a job, because human trafficking no longer exists.

Overall it was a wonderful day of networking with other organizations who address human trafficking, sharing information and resources about human trafficking, and hearing the commitment of our elected representatives in Missouri to continue working to end sex trafficking in Missouri and create more resources for survivors to heal.