The tables were full at a forum on human trafficking sponsored January 29, 2015, by the NCJW Southern Maine Section at the Portland Country Club. About 50 women and men grabbed cookies and coffee then settled down to hear what our panel of experts had to say. New NCJW member Shelley Grant served as the lively moderator. First, Maine Attorney General Janet Mills discussed how law enforcement has changed its attitude toward the not really “victimless” crime of prostitution, where most sex workers start out as abused children. State Senator Amy Volk (R-Buxton, Gorham, Scarborough) talked about her successful effort to get the legislature to pass and the governor to sign anti-trafficking legislation. The colorful Detective Sergeant Steve Webster of the South Portland Police Department spoke about his efforts to help desperate women escape from “the life.” And Julia Davidson of Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine detailed the need for shelters and mentors for women who have no home and few social skills. National is making the fight against human trafficking one of its top priorities for the next three years. We hope to call attention to the need in Maine.
What Can I Do?
January’s presentation on human trafficking showed us how vulnerable children wind up involuntarily exploited in the sex trade. Our expert panelists told how they are fighting human trafficking in the legislature, the courts, and on the streets. Here are some ways that you, as an individual, can support the fight against human trafficking. These are not NCJW-sponsored programs, but they align with our goals.
1. Provide furnishings for Maine’s first safe house for survivors of human trafficking. Here’s a list of items needed for the shelter that Saint Andre Home is opening in May. They will accept money, department store gift cards, items from their registry at Bed, Bath & Beyond, or new appliances and mattresses.
2. Donate to a fund to meet emergency needs of trafficking victims. The Stop Fund was set up by South Portland Police Detective Sergeant Steve Webster, who is on the front lines of the battle to stop human trafficking.
Stop Fund
c/o Portland Police Federal Credit Union
109 Middle Street
Portland ME 04101
3. Assist agencies affiliated with the Maine Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MECASA). Julia Davidson, SART Program Manager for Sexual Assault Response Services of Southern Maine, suggests entering your skills and interests in the Maine Sex Trafficking & Exploitation Network (STEN) volunteer database, which matches volunteers to agencies that need help. Mentoring, photocopying, tattooing (!)– we all have skills which could serve this worthy cause.
Read more about the extent of human trafficking in Kansas City and across the country.