Forum addresses human trafficking

Forum addresses human trafficking

Latasha Russell

Contributing Writer

The Alpha Zeta chapter of Sigma Lambda Upsilon Sorority and the Bachelor’s of Social Work Student Association hosted a forum last week to raise awareness about human trafficking.

“A big part of social work is advocacy for those that don’t have a voice … helping people to define human trafficking. There’s such a misconception that it’s only global but it’s really, really not,” said Kristin Lennox, the treasurer of the Bachelor’s of Social Work Student Association.

The forum featured guest speaker Nicole Bromfield, who is the director of Student Services for the VCU School of Social Work.

“We really are paying attention a lot to what is happening in other countries and I think we really do need to focus on what is happening right here in our own country,” Broomfield said.

Bromfield led the discussion with the clarification of human trafficking, forms of human trafficking and legislative enactments that protect victims of human trafficking. She said she believes it is important to raise awareness in the United States.

Clips from documentaries “Very Young Girls” and “Not for Sale,” followed the discussion. The Polaris Project, Not for Sale Campaign are among the organizations dedicated to raising awareness and fighting this issue.

Social work major Michelle Echevarria said she was shocked after viewing the documentary.

“I didn’t really think people in the U.S. were being trafficked and prostituted, but they are, and that kind of word needs to be put out,” Echevarria said.

Echevarria said she suggests one way to raise awareness is by educating students in schools. With a concentration in juvenile justice, she said she will consider incorporating advocacy for human trafficking through means of hosting forums and speaking out at public schools.

Melissa Giorgi, a junior social work major, said hosting similar discussions in public schools might enlighten children about the issue and potentially foster helping someone.

Yesenia Villalta, the community service and philanthropy chair of Sigma Lambda Upsilon, said she hoped attendees walked away educated and inspired to take action.

“I hope that everybody for what ever reason takes a part of this at home and can hopefully just help educate other people and somehow be proactive,” Villalta said. “Whether it’s joining a list serve, signing a petition, just reading up on it and doing a research project, or a presentation so more people become aware.”