Press Release: Human Trafficking Task Force Leader to Receive FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

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Human Trafficking Task Force Leader to Receive FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award April 24, 2023

The FBI New Orleans Field Office is proud to announce Jennifer Paul Ray will receive the FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award at a ceremony next week in Washington, DC. Special Agent in Charge Douglas A. Williams will join Ray at the event that celebrates outstanding accomplishments by individuals in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in America.

“Ms. Ray is Covenant House’s Coordinator for the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, which is a coalition committed to assisting the FBI’s mission in the prevention of human trafficking. She brings years of care and compassion to victims of human trafficking,” said Williams.

2023 DCLA Award Recipient Press Release April 24, 2023

Louisiana Justice for Survivors Act

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This year the state of Louisiana will consider the Justice for Survivors Act (SB 215). The Justice for Survivors Act addresses gaps in the legal system through prevention and relief:

  1. It provides for a justification defense for conduct that is a direct result of intimate partner violence, domestic abuse, sex trafficking, or sexual violence, with clear constraints on the use of such a defense and the elements that must be proved to use it,

  2. It allows for the presentation of expert testimony as to the effects and dynamics of intimate partner violence, and the circumstances of entrapment and coercive control resulting from abuse,

  3. It offers pathways to potential relief for incarcerated survivors who were wrongfully convicted or excessively sentenced.

More information about the Justice for Survivors Act can be found at Promise of Justice Initiative, which also produced this video Support the Justice for Survivors Act. Additional information can also be found through this article Domestic Violence Survivors Seek a Pathway out of Louisiana Prisons.

Article: Conceptualizing Task Force Sustainability

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Article: Conceptualizing Task Force Sustainability by Jennifer Paul Ray in Special Issue "Frontiers in Organizing Processes: Collaborating against Human Trafficking/Modern Slavery for Impact and Sustainability" Societies 2023, 13(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/soc13020050 (registering DOI) - 20 Feb 2023

Accessed at this link

#humantrafficking #endhumantrafficking #multidisciplinary #sustainability

News Press Release: Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force

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For Immediate Release: January 9, 2023

Contact: Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, New Orleans Metro Region, Louisiana, info@nolatrafficking.org

Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force hosts Law Enforcement Symposium in conjunction with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day January 11, 2023

NEW ORLEANS, LA - In conjunction with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force is hosting “Law Enforcement Symposium,” an in-person event bringing awareness about human trafficking by featuring the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm EST, at Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur De Lis Dr, New Orleans, LA 70124.

 This in-person event will raise awareness about human trafficking in the Greater New Orleans Area and features the importance of building supportive partnerships between the community and law enforcement for the prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons. Registrants are encouraged to wear blue in support of #WearBlueDay, an initiative of the Blue Campaign -- a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.

 “Human trafficking can happen to anyone and anywhere,” explained Blue Campaign Chief Advisor Maraya C. Lasinsky. “Educating our communities is one of our strongest tactics to ending this horrific crime. The government, law enforcement, NGO partners, and the public all play a critical role in the prevention and protection of victims. The Blue Campaign is proud to support the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force which is a great example of how communities and law enforcement can work together to bring an end to human trafficking.”

 Registrants will learn ways the community can support anti-trafficking and prevention efforts.

 The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force is a collaboration of more than 80 federal, state and local agencies. The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force responds to human trafficking in the Greater New Orleans Area through the seamless collaboration between law enforcement, prosecutors and service providers. The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force brings awareness about human trafficking through education and the dissemination of information on the existence and response to human trafficking in the Greater New Orleans Area.

 For media interview opportunities about the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, please contact info@nolatrafficking.org

For media interview opportunities about the Blue Campaign, please contact mediainquiry@hq.dhs.gov.

 ABOUT THE BLUE CAMPAIGN

 Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.

 Located within the Office of Partnership and Engagement and aligned with the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Blue Campaign leverages partnerships with the private sector, non-governmental organizations law enforcement, and state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities to maximize national public engagement on anti-human trafficking efforts. Blue Campaign’s educational awareness objectives consists of two foundational elements—prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons. More information about the Blue Campaign can be found at www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

 ABOUT THE GREATER NEW ORLEANS HUMAN TRAFFICKING TASK FORCE

 The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force is funded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. This content was produced by Covenant House New Orleans under 15POVC-22-GK-03656-HT, awarded by the Office for Victims of Crime, Office of Justice Programs, U.S. Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this content are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice. More information on the Task Force can be found at www.nolatrafficking.org.

  

Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force Law Enforcement Symposium

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The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force Law Enforcement Symposium is Wednesday, January 11, 2023, from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm, at Lakeview Christian Center, 5885 Fleur de Lis Drive, New Orleans, LA 70124. Parking for the Symposium is available at the side parking lot accessed off Fleur de Lis Drive.

Purpose of the Symposium:

·       Observe January 11 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

·       Raise awareness about Human Trafficking in the Greater New Orleans Area.

·       Build supportive partnerships between the community and law enforcement for the prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons.

Registration for the Symposium is here.

Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Awarded DOJ Funding

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On October 26, 2022, the Department of Justice announced funding to combat human trafficking, provide services to human trafficking victims and support research and evaluation on responses to human trafficking.

The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force co-leads, Covenant House New Orleans and Orleans Parish District Attorney’s Office, were awarded funds under the Department of Justice Enhanced Collaborative Model Task Force to Combat Human Trafficking program.

This is the third round of funding for the Task Force under the Department of Justice’s Enhanced Collaborative Model. The Task Force’s first round of funding was awarded in 2015. Since then, the Task Force has continued to lead the human trafficking response in the Greater New Orleans Metairie area.

The Task Force mission is to:

·       Combat human trafficking through seamless collaboration between law enforcement and social service providers;

·       Use a victim-centered approach in proactively investigating and prosecuting human trafficking crimes; and provide comprehensive, high-quality social services to all victims of human trafficking.

Night Out Against Crime - October 4, 2022

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The Greater New Orleans Metropolitan Area will celebrate the 39th Night Out Against Crime on Tuesday, October 4, 2022.

The sponsors, National Association of Town Watch (NATW) introduced the program known as National Night Out (NNO) and the National Neighborhood Watch, which have collaborated with local communities and law enforcement to promote crime prevention in various neighborhoods. For more information about the national event, visit NATW.

The national event is typically held in August of each year, the Greater New Orleans Metropolitan area hosts’ its annual event in October when the temperatures are much cooler. Contact your local law enforcement for events in your area or contact GNO CrimeStoppers.

Film: Katrina Babies

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Film: Katrina Babies debuts Wednesday August 24 on HBO Max

Katrina Babies details the close-knit families and vibrant communities of New Orleans whose lives were uprooted by the 2005 disaster. These American children were airlifted out of the rising waters, evacuated from their homes to refugee-like centers, or placed in makeshift, temporary living situations. As families were tasked with reintegrating into new communities, having experienced loss, displacement and lack of support from government officials, the children were left to process their trauma in a wounded, fractured city.

Official Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjteP4qBqn4

Labor Trafficking Fact Sheet

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Labor Trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another individual to work or provide a service. Download the Labor Trafficking Fact Sheet by the Vermont Human Trafficking Task Force.

Infographic adopted from Understanding the Organization, Operation, and Victimization Process of Labor Trafficking in the United States, Northeastern University, Urban Institute Research Project, Owens, et.al, October 2014.

Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force Sustainability Plan June 2022

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In June 2022, the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force released it’s Sustainability Plan. The Plan’s key findings define the priority areas that frame the Plan. The priority areas are:

·       Collaboration and Partnership

·       Coordinated Care and Investigations

·       Public Engagement and Advocacy

·       Sustainable Task Force

To download the Plan visit Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking webite.

National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking

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Released December 3, 2021: FACT SHEET: The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking (NAP)

Human trafficking disproportionately impacts some of the most vulnerable and underserved members of our society. The updated National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking responds to this predatory behavior by addressing the needs of underserved individuals, families, and communities.

The National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking is grounded in an integrated federal response to human trafficking. It emphasizes the importance of collaboration across government when investing resources in anti-trafficking policies and programs.

For more information: https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/12/03/fact-sheet-the-national-action-plan-to-combat-human-trafficking-nap/

USDOT Recognizes Louisiana's Anti-Human Trafficking Initiative

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Louisiana’s transportation department is among the groups recently recognized by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its anti-human trafficking efforts.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development earned recognition for an outreach meant to target more than 5 million motorists. The state’s recognition is part of USDOT’s “Combating Human Trafficking in Transportation Impact Award.”

#HumanTrafficking #EndTrafficking #HumanTraffickingAwarenessMonth

To learn more: https://www.ttnews.com/articles/usdot-recognizes-louisianas-anti-human-trafficking-initiative

Junior League of New Orleans Hosts “Survivor Stories,” an Online Talk on January 25 in Conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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 In conjunction with National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and in partnership with Eden House, Covenant House and the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force, the Junior League of New Orleans Abolish Committee is hosting “Survivor Stories,” an educational online event about human trafficking on Tuesday, January 25, from 6 to 7 p.m.

 This online event will feature Jennifer Best, Director of Clinical Programs for Eden House; Jennifer Ray, Coordinator for the Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force; and a former resident of Covenant House and Covenant House Human Trafficking Team Leader, Sheri Lochridge. Registrants will learn about the realities of trafficking, resources available to victims, and ways the community can support anti-trafficking and prevention efforts.

 Registration is free and open to the public at  www.jlno.org/abolish.

 In addition, the community can join JLNO in bringing awareness to this serious issue by wearing blue on January 11, which is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.  Another way to show support is by donating items like toilet paper and cleaning supplies to local nonprofits, Eden House and Covenant House. Both organizations work to support victims of trafficking. Amazon wish lists are available at www.jlno.org/abolish.

 For media interview opportunities, please contact news@jlno.org.

Responding to Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Boys and Men

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Registration is now open to attend "Responding to the Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Boys and Men", a virtual National Human Trafficking Prevention Month event hosted by Giant Slayer Consulting, and underwritten by Kristi House's Bridges to Futures program funded by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime.

Date: Monday, January 24, 2022, Time: 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm EST (12Noon to 2pm CST)- Registration required.

Watch the BOYS trailer

National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

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January 1 marks the first day of the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Since 2010, January is the time to acknowledge individuals who are trafficked and survivors.

 In recognition of the National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, the GNOHTTF is promoting its campaign “All Work, No Pay” materials translated in over 15 languages through the generous partnership and support of HEAL Trafficking and McNulty Foundation.

“All Work, No Pay”

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The Greater New Orleans Human Trafficking Task Force “ All Pay, No Work?” outreach brochure is available in Arabic, Armenian, French, Haitian Creole, Hmong, Indonesian, Khmer, Korean, Malay, Punjabi, Russian, Chinese - Mandarin, Chinese - Cantonese, Spanish, Swahili, Tagalog, and Vietnamese.

The translation of the English pamphlet is a result of collaboration with HEAL Trafficking to create a co-branded brochure. The Task Force and HEAL Trafficking are appreciative of the McNulty Foundation which funded the translation servcies.

Download and distribute the brochures for free at Outreach and Awareness

Junior League of New Orleans: Screening and talk "Stopping Traffic"

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The Task Force is very happy to share with you this upcoming talk about the inspiring film "Stopping Traffic".

The talk is hosted by the Junior League of New Orleans, and features:  Kara Van Carr, Founder and CEO, Eden House New Orleans; Stopping Traffic Director, Sadhvi Siddhali; and, Truckers Against Trafficking,  Susan Dodd.

 The talk is December 15, 2021; 6 to 7 P.M. Learn more and register at www.jlno.org/abolish. Registrants will receive links to watch the film and participate in the Zoom event. This online event is free and open to the public.