DeLauro hosts event to raise awareness of human trafficking

Members of Congress sign 'Our Daughters Are Not For Sale' proclamation. / Contributed photo

WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro, D-CT., hosted an event Wednesday to raise awareness of domestic child trafficking.

Attendees heard from advocates from the Human Rights Projects for Girls and Rights4Girls, as well as from former U.S. Rep. Susan Molinari, R-N.Y.

Representatives Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y., and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen, R-FL., co-hosted the event with DeLauro. 

Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi was a featured speaker.

“All across America women, teenagers and even children are being forced into prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation," DeLauro said.

"According to the Polaris Project, human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise across the globe. In America alone, an estimated 293,000 children are at risk of commercial sexual exploitation," DeLauro said.

"I am proud legislators in Connecticut have sent a bill to Governor Malloy strengthening laws against human trafficking. I look forward to seeing him sign it. 

"We must start working towards concrete and meaningful action against domestic sex trafficking.”

This post is taken from a press release from DeLauro's office.