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1/26/2018 Sen. Morgan resolution declares January human trafficking awareness month
STATE HOUSE – Senator Elaine J. Morgan, (R-Dist. 34, Charlestown, Exeter, Hopkinton, Richmond, West Greenwich), will next Thursday introduce a resolution declaring January to be “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month” in Rhode Island.

Morgan, who has sponsored several human trafficking initiatives in the legislature, said she is continuing in her efforts to bring awareness to a very serious and often overlooked crime.

“We have seen far too many cases of human trafficking in Rhode Island and along the Northeast corridor,” Morgan said. “It is critical that we continue to find ways to draw attention to this horrific crime.”

Morgan has invited advocate Holly Otten to the State House on Thursday. Otten is the founder of the nonprofit Tin Man Ministries, a Coventry-based nonprofit ministry with a mission to bring healing and restoration to victims of sexual abuse, including victims of the sex trafficking trade.  Morgan has been working with Otten to further advance their agenda against human sex trafficking.

“I look forward to continuing our work together,” Morgan said. “Holly is a tireless advocate in this area.”

Human trafficking, as recognized and defined by the United Nations, is the “recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of threat or use of force…for the purpose of exploitation.” Exploitation can include forced prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation as well as forced labor. It is estimated that between 21 million to 25 million people are currently the victims of human trafficking and are being used as slaves in some capacity. As of 2014, it is estimated that human trafficking generates approximately $150 billion dollars in profit.


For more information, contact:
Katie Haughey Cardoza, Senate Minority Office
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2708