Pastor Walt Mayhew from Walnut Hill’s Valley Campus spoke of the reason the church decided to get involved.
“The sexual exploitation and human trafficking of
our children is rising dramatically. Yet many in our community are unaware. Our
hope is to raise awareness by having experts in the field of social services
and criminal justice share what it taking place.” Mayhew said.
According to statistical information provided by the
church human trafficking and sexual exploitation is a world-wide
99-billion-dollar industry. In CT, just since 2016 referrals to DCF of
suspected domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) has risen by 7,000%. The state is
broken up into six regions for statistical reporting purposes.
The region in which the Valley is located is tied
for the highest rate of referrals. Since 2008 (as of third quarter, HART Data
2017) more than 800 children have been referred to Connecticut’s Department of
Children and Families as being suspected of being victims of human trafficking,
the youngest just being 2 years old.
“The time is at hand to raise awareness and mobilize
out communities so our children can be protected and we want to do our part.”
Mayhew said.
The event will feature a panel discussion/presentation
by experts in the field, including:
*Annmarie Boulay: Director of Women’s Ministry
Wintonbury Church & Co-founder ofThe Underground
*Jillian Gilchrest: Director of Health Professional
Outreach at CT Coalition Against Domestic Violence
*Tim Palmbach: Professor & Chair of Forensic
Science at the University of New Haven
*Theresa Leonard: Co-founder of The Underground,
Survivor of DMST
*Yvette Young: Project Director, Human
Anti-trafficking Response Team for DCF, Village for Families and Children.
Further information can be obtained from the
church’s website:
www.walnuthillcc.org/valley-campus or by calling
203-732-5220.
(This is a press release from Pastor Walt Mayhew)
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