Friday evening, in support of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we had the opportunity to host Freedom Fighters | The Battle Against Modern Slavery, an important discussion about modern day slavery. We discussed with Senator Chris Murphy the scourge on more than 40.3 million victims of modern day slavery who exist around the world. We were honored to listen to a courageous survivor and modern-day freedom fighter who is seeking justice for her family and for so many other victims of this horrific crime in our country. We also learned about why our nation’s laws have resulted in harsh consequences for victims of these crimes and the legal challenges that continue to exist. Finally, we were presented with facts about trafficking cases closer to home here in Connecticut. Many members of our community, including many of you, came out to learn about what individuals can do to help end this hideous crime.
Last week, a co-signed letter from seven prominent organizations that are fighting against human trafficking – Grace Farms Foundation, YWCA Greenwich, Global Partnership to End Human Trafficking, The Underground, Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants, Center for Youth Leadership and Center for Human Trafficking Court Solutions – was sent to Connecticut State Attorney General, George Jepsen, asking his office to investigate and file suit against Backpage.com for its knowing participation in the trafficking of Connecticut’s children.
You can join the petition to bring this case to court by going to gracefarms.org/notforsale and clicking on the link to ask Attorney General George Jepsen to investigate Backpage.com. The link brings you to a pre-populated email to the Attorney General. We urge all of you to raise awareness of this issue within your communities and ask your friends and family members to join this movement. We have to raise our voices for the defenseless victims of this crime. In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, please join Grace Farms Foundation and the organizations listed above in asking our State to lead the fight against Backpage.
