‘Fighting Sex Trafficking – Our Children At Risk’

LIVINGSTON, NJ — The effects of sexism and misogyny are far reaching and their most terrifying manifestation is sex trafficking, according to a recent release from the National Council of Jewish Women, Essex County Section. How has the internet made it easier for men to exploit girls and women for sex? What compels men to abuse women in this way? Is there a justification to legalize prostitution? How can we combat sex trafficking in our own communities?

Join NCJW/Essex for a dynamic discussion featuring a panel of speakers with experience in helping victims and combatting sex trafficking — “#EndDemand: Fighting Sex Trafficking – Our Children At Risk” — on Wednesday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at Temple B’nai Abraham, 300 Northfield Road in Livingston.

This “Dessert and Dialogue” will feature a distinguished panel of speakers who will shine a light on the motivations of those who exploit girls and women and promote sex trafficking, what New Jersey is doing to combat trafficking, what social service agencies are trying to do to help those who have been caught up in the web of trafficking and, most importantly, what can be done to combat this horrific problem that exists right here in the United States.

The panel of speakers, with experience in helping victims and combatting sex trafficking, includes Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle of the New Jersey General Assembly, 37th District; Jayne Bigelsen, director of Anti-Human Trafficking Initiatives at Covenant House in New York; and Nicole Bryan, principal investigator and strategic adviser for Human Trafficking Research. The panel will be moderated by Lauren Hersh, co-founder of World Without Exploitation.

The goal is for attendees to come away with a newfound determination to join the fight to eradicate sex trafficking. NCJW/Essex welcomes participants to spearhead new efforts to bring this issue to light and educate the community. One tangible effort already under way is a collection of art supplies for the Art Therapy Program at Covenant House to help victims of sex trafficking. Any art supplies, such as markers, scissors, adult coloring books, paint, paintbrushes, construction paper and play dough, are welcome and can be dropped off the night of the program.

Pre-registration is required. Admission is charged and includes coffee, tea and desserts. To register, call 973-740-0588 or visit www.ncjwessex.org.