Human Trafficking: Slavery Still Exists
Important Panel Discussion on Campus Oct. 10
Published: Monday, October 1, 2018
Benedictine College and the Kansas Association for Family & Community Education (FCE) are bringing an important discussion about human trafficking to Atchison on Wednesday, October 10, at 7:00 p.m. in O’Malley-McAllister Auditorium in the St. John Paul II Student Center. The presentation will feature a panel ranging from former victims to a representative of the Kansas Attorney General’s Office. The event, “Human Trafficking: Slavery Still Exists,” is free and open to the public.
The program will discuss the history of human trafficking, will attempt to build awareness in the area, and will offer thoughts on actions to take to end the practice. Dr. John Eplee, an Atchison physician and Disctrict 63 State Representative, will serve as moderator for the panel. Eplee sponsored the resolution in the Kansas House calling for the end of human trafficking in the state.
Other panelists include:
- Barry Feaker, executive director of the Topeka Rescue Mission and Freedom Now, USA
- Jennifer Montgomery, director of Human Trafficking Education and Outreach for the Kansas Attorney General’s Office
- Deacon Bradley Sloan, program manager for Valeo Behavioral Health Care
- Lucy Bloom, executive director of Veronica’s Voice, a Kansas City-area nonprofit working to end demand for prostitution and sex trafficking
- Kristy Childs, founder of Veronica’s Voice and a sex trafficking survivor
Feaker, who will serve as the keynote speaker for the program, says that human trafficking is easily overlooked by the general public.
“There's a saying that says the eyes cannot see what the mind does not understand or comprehend,” he said.
The panel will help increase awareness in Kansas by pointing out what to look for to recognize trafficking operations. The group will also explain the warning signs of victimization and will give ideas on how to help. Everyone is invited to be a part of the conversation.
FCE is a grassroots, volunteer organization dealing with family issues before they become leading social concerns. It has a mission to strengthen individuals, families and communities through continuing education, leadership development and community action.
Founded in 1858, Benedictine College is a Catholic, Benedictine, residential, liberal arts college located on the bluffs above the Missouri River in Atchison, Kansas. The school is proud to have been named one of America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report as well as one of the top Catholic colleges in the nation by First Things magazine and the Newman Guide. It prides itself on outstanding academics, extraordinary faith life, strong athletic programs, and an exceptional sense of community and belonging. It has a mission to educate men and women within a community of faith and scholarship.
