VIRTUAL STATEWIDE
[ HUMAN TRAFFICKING SUMMIT ]
Friday, January 28, 2022

Brought to you in partnership by:
Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP),
SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation,
& The Joseph Project
 
This virtual statewide event is for advocates and professionals who are active in addressing human trafficking in Michigan through prevention, education, law enforcement, and/or the provision of services to survivors and at-risk populations. The objective of this forum is to increase collaboration and effectiveness across Michigan communities by identifying barriers, building relationships, and strengthening partnerships. 

Register to Access
the Recordings!

SESSIONS

Innovative Ways to Address Demand
in the Illicit Massage Industry

Daniel Nash
Co-founder, Human Trafficking Training Center
Retired Missouri State Trooper
Kathy Chen
Program Advisor, Heyrick Research
Aaron Toffoli
Public Health Educator & Sexual Violence Prevention
Program Coordinator, Kent County Health Department

Moderator: Alisha Meneely
Community Outreach Coordinator, Protect MI Child
SEE Human Trafficking Coalition

We have all driven by one. We have all questioned those massage parlors with blacked-out windows and parking in the back. Until recently, these types of businesses in Grand Rapids have been able to run under the radar, exploit victims of human trafficking and make millions of dollars. After much research and working with the city council and local health department, SEE Human Trafficking Coalition was able to get a variety of ordinances passed and finally hold these illicit businesses accountable. This panel will explain the history of the illicit massage industry and how local municipalities can advocate for change and shut these trafficking organizations down. 

Collaborating to Close the Justice Gap

Alicia Ley
Program Specialist, Collaborative to End Human Trafficking

Allie Mercer
Human Trafficking Victim Advocate, Common Ground

Deb Ellinger
Founder/Executive Director, Elli's House

Joyce Todd
Legal First Responder, The Joseph Project,
Former Oakland County Prosecutor

Lynne Williams
Director of Rehabilitation Services, Salvation Army

Moderator: Amanda Paletz
Legal Director, The Joseph Project

Survivors often have trafficking-related legal needs but lack meaningful access to attorney services. However, this “justice gap” is closing in Michigan. In this panel presentation, attendees will learn how The Joseph Project harnessed the power of collaboration and volunteerism to create a statewide justice delivery system that works for the exploited. 

Shared Hope International: Trafficking Policy Reform and Next Steps for Michigan

Sarah Bendtsen-Diédhiou
Director of State Legislative Advocacy,
Shared Hope International
Kelly Carter
Assistant Attorney General,
Michigan Human Trafficking Commission
Katie Papke
Clinician, Professor, Survivor Leader

Moderator: Angela Aufdemberge
President & CEO, Vista Maria

A decade ago, Shared Hope developed a legal framework that challenged states to enact laws that comprehensively address the crime of child sex trafficking. When they launched the first State Report Cards, the majority of states received an “F” grade, reflecting the reality that many states’ laws failed to even recognize the crime of child sex trafficking. Over the years most states improved their grades, and collectively, the country has made exciting progress. However, 10 years has also led to new research and opportunities to listen to survivors, providing waves of information that require us, as a nation, to confront where we are and where we should be going. Join Katie, clinician and survivor leader, Sarah from Shared Hope and Kelly from the Michigan Attorney General’s office as they discuss Shared Hope’s new reporting system, Michigan progress and challenges, and an overview of current bills and initiatives in progress in our state.

Register to Access
the Recordings!