January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As part of an ongoing effort to raise awareness of the crime in Michigan, state Sen. Judy Emmons will be helping lead a public discussion on human trafficking.
“Human trafficking in Michigan is real and, although we have achieved much in shining the light on this heinous crime, it continues to devastate the lives of thousands of women and children every year,” said Emmons, a Republican from Sheridan who represents Clare, Gratiot, Isabella, Mecosta and Montcalm counties in the state Senate. “Human Trafficking Awareness Month is about bringing public attention to human trafficking. Due to the nature of this criminal industry, it is critical to have well-informed citizens who want to do anything they can to help stop the exploitation of women and children.
“I encourage everyone to help us make a difference and participate in a discussion on human trafficking awareness, prevention and intervention.”
The event will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Livonia City Hall auditorium, 33000 Civic Center Drive.
Joining Emmons at the event will be former Livonia City Councilwoman Laura Toy, Redford Township Police Officer Jennifer Mansfield, trafficking survivor Joyce Haskett and more.
“I am tremendously proud of the historic reforms we achieved to combat human trafficking and support its survivors,” Emmons said. “While Michigan now has some of the nation’s strongest human trafficking laws, there is still so much to do to protect all our families and neighbors from a criminal industry that is second only to illegal drugs.”
The senator has hosted a series of forums throughout the state to help raise awareness of human trafficking by giving the public a chance to hear survivors share their personal stories.
For her work, Emmons has repeatedly been recognized as a leader in the fight against human trafficking, including such honors as the Michigan Liberator of the Year Award and the Michigan Council of Professional Investigators’ Pinnacle Award.
Emmons also recently served as a co-chair of the National Foundation for Women Legislators’ 2016 Human Trafficking Summit in Washington, D.C., and the Safe America 2016 human trafficking summit at the United Nations.