Steve Parker, host of the TV show CT Style (WTNH) interviewed Shaleen Silva, executive director of the Paul & Lisa Program, and Kathy McAfee, representing Soroptimist International of Farmington Valley, on the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking in the state of Connecticut.
LISTEN TO THIS PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT
Every two minutes a child is sold for sex around the world; some are as young as 6 years old.
Sex trafficking has indeed become the new face of slavery of women and girls around the world. But it’s not just an international problem. It is happening right here in the United States. It’s happening here in Connecticut.
It’s hard to believe but the sex trafficking of children is happening right here in Connecticut.
Consider these local facts:
- The Department of Children and Families in Connecticut has identified 62 female children who have been victimized by sex trafficking.
- 89% of adult women who are trapped in the world of prostitution report that they first victimized as children.
- In the United States, the average age of entry into prostitution is 12-14 years old.
- Read this FBI report about one recent indictment of a Connecticut couple who were trafficking 14-year old girls for commercial sex.
These victims are children and they need our help.
Join us on November 1, 2010 in Canton, CT
The Soroptimist International of Farmington Valley is inviting members of the public (adults over age 18) to attend a 
special public presentation on the issue of domestic minor sex trafficking on Monday, November 1st from 6-8pm at the Canton Library Community Center. Guest speaker Shaleen Silva, the executive director of the Paul & Lisa Program, will share important information about domestic minor sex trafficking.
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Download this flyer about the November 1st event: Do you Know about Sex Trafficking of Children in Connecticut
Shaleen Silva will be answering questions and educating us about:
- Who are the victims?
- What are the rick factors?
- How are the pimps using the Internet and recruiting schemes to groom and lure future child victims
- What are the Red Flags that parents and teachers need to look for that a child may be involved with Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking?
- What can we do as a community to help keep our children safer from this danger?
The November 1st program is free and open to the public over 18 years old. Space is limited, so reserve your spot by emailing SIFV2004@gmail.com or by calling 860.595.7757.
- Learn more about the issue of human trafficking of women and girls at the Soroptimist International of the America’s web site: http://www.soroptimist.org/trafficking/trafficking.html
About Soroptimist International of Farmington Valley (SIFV) is an international volunteer service organization of business, professional and community-minded women who work to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. The Farmington Valley chapter presents several programs throughout the year which empower women and girls by building self esteem and confidence. Funds raised support charitable organizations such as Prudence Crandall Center, a shelter for women in transition and Grace Academy, providing free private education for inner city girls. SIFV also provides grants to young women who display outstanding community service. To learn more, visit: www.SoroptimistNER.org or contact Sue McGann, Publicity Co-Chair at 860-267-0288 Learn more about Soroptimist International of the Americas:
About Paul and Lisa, Inc. provides information and training on dealing with and reducing the risk for domestic minor sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children. Shaleen Silva has been the Executive Director of the Paul and Lisa Program for the past 6 years. Ms. Silva has also served as the Treasurer on the Board of Directors of We Will Find You, a Connecticut non-profit since 2008; and is also a certified trainer for Darkness to Light, based out of South Carolina, as a facilitator in Connecticut for their program, Stewards of Children. Ms. Silva is also the co-coordinator of the Connecticut Coalition Against Human Trafficking (CTCAT), and in that role has been collaborating with Project REACH in Massachusetts on the development of the New England Coalition Against Trafficking, an Office of Refugee Resettlement, Rescue and Restore Victims of Human Trafficking Regional Program. The CT chapter of this program supports raising community awareness of the issue of human trafficking and increasing the capacity for improved service delivery through training of providers. Through the combined efforts of the New England Coalition they refer or provide direct care to the identified victims of trafficking. For more infromation, visit www.PaulandLisa.org or call 1-800-518-2238
