Panel discusses local efforts to combat sexual exploitation of minors
Kayla Washington, who leads efforts against commercial sexual exploitation at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County, hands out flyers outside Theater 2 at the Garden Cinemas, which hosted a free community screening of the “Frontline” documentary “Sex Trafficking in America” on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/DOMENIC POLI
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin presented a free community screening of the Frontline documentary “Sex Trafficking in America” at the Garden Cinemas on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/DOMENIC POLI
Lori Odierna, chief of the Child Abuse Unit of the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, speaks before a panel discussion that followed a free community screening of the Frontline documentary “Sex Trafficking in America” at the Garden Cinemas on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/DOMENIC POLI
The Northwestern District Attorney’s Office, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Hampshire County and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin presented a free community screening of the Frontline documentary “Sex Trafficking in America” at the Garden Cinemas on Wednesday. STAFF PHOTO/DOMENIC POLI
Summary
Authorities in Hampshire and Franklin counties spelled out how they are combating sexual exploitation of minors as part of a community education initiative. A special emphasis is placed on fighting internet crimes, as many cases are internet-based. The panel discussion followed a screening of the “Frontline” documentary “Sex Trafficking in America,” which tells the story of a 16-year-old girl named Kat and the efforts of a special police unit in Phoenix to root out sexual exploitation.
Panel Discussion
- Northampton Police Capt. Victor Caputo emphasized the prevalence of internet-based crimes and the need to address them.
- Assistant District Attorney Anne Yereniuk highlighted the importance of online investigations and the role of law enforcement officers dedicated to fighting internet crimes.
- Kayla Washington and Kelly Broadway, coordinators at the Children’s Advocacy Centers, discussed the age range of survivors they work with.
- An unidentified local woman who survived sex trafficking shared her experience and the challenges she faced.
Key Points
- Sexual exploitation of minors is a significant issue in Hampshire and Franklin counties.
- Internet-based crimes are a major concern, with numerous apps and communication tools being used by perpetrators.
- The opioid epidemic and housing crisis contribute to the problem of sexual exploitation.
- Efforts are being made to educate the community and provide training for law enforcement to combat sexual exploitation.
Funding
The screening and panel discussion were funded by a grant from the state’s Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program. The grant aims to educate mandated reporters, school staff, medical personnel, and the community about commercial sexual exploitation of children. It also supports training for law enforcement to develop advanced skills in obtaining digital evidence and conducting complex human trafficking investigations.
Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com or 413-930-4120.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Relevant to the Article
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SDG 5: Gender Equality
- Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
- Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group.
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SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children.
- Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
Explanation
The article discusses efforts to combat sexual exploitation of minors, with a focus on fighting internet crimes. This issue is connected to SDG 5: Gender Equality, as it addresses the elimination of violence against women and girls, including trafficking and sexual exploitation. Target 5.2 specifically aims to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual exploitation. The indicator 5.2.1 measures the proportion of women and girls subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by an intimate partner.
The article also highlights the importance of ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children. This aligns with SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Target 16.2 focuses on ending abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and violence against children. The indicator 16.2.2 measures the number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, considering factors such as sex, age group, and form of exploitation.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 5: Gender Equality | Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation. | Indicator 5.2.1: Proportion of ever-partnered women and girls aged 15 years and older subjected to physical, sexual, or psychological violence by a current or former intimate partner in the previous 12 months, by form of violence and by age group. |
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children. | Indicator 16.2.2: Number of victims of human trafficking per 100,000 population, by sex, age group, and form of exploitation. |
Source: gazettenet.com
