What:
Human
Trafficking: A Call to Action
A Free Symposium Convening Key Players
Sponsors:
Boston Bar Association Public
Interest Leadership Program, Criminal Law Section, Immigration Section,
Labor & Employment Law Section, Administration of Justice Section.
When:
Thursday, June 6, 2013 from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Where:
Boston Bar Association
16 Beacon St., Boston MA,
02108
Why Now:
It has been 15 months since the enactment of "An
Act Relative to the Commercial Exploitation of People" in February 2012. The statute provides criminal penalties for sexual
servitude and enticing a child to engage in prostitution or commercial
sexual activity, establishes the crime of organ trafficking, and creates a
trust fund for victims of human trafficking.
- In its traditional role as a convener, the Boston Bar
Association will launch a conversation among representatives from the
patchwork of groups committed to addressing human trafficking -- law
enforcement, legal services, academia, government, and human services -- to
provide a forum for extended discussion, collaboration, and sharing of
information.
- Policy recommendations by the Attorney General's
Interagency
Human Trafficking Task Force regarding
future steps to address human trafficking are due by the end of the summer,
and this forum will provide a framework for understanding the big
picture.
Human Trafficking in Boston:
According to the Office of
the Attorney General, "Because of the nature of the crime, there is no
sound methodology to measure the problem." However, we do know:
- As of
November
2012, almost 500 minors in Suffolk County --
mostly girls -- had been identified as either at high risk or as victims of
commercial sexual exploitation.
- A
statement from the Attorney General indicates that
most victims of human trafficking enter 'the life' between the ages of 12-14;
victims include adult women and men as well.
- Since February 2012, there have been four major
arrests in the Boston area relating to human trafficking: in March
2012, October
2012, December
2012, and most recently earlier this month in May
2013.