Ventura County Women’s Organizations Addressing Human Trafficking, Child Exploitation

The Ventura County Alumnae Chapter / Kappa Omega of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. along with Channel Islands(CA) Chapter of The Link Incorporated hosted a human trafficking panel discussion on April 11 at California Lutheran University (CLU).

Kudos to the Channel Islands (CA) Chapter International Trends & Service Chairman, Debra Bagley (on the left), and Committee for an excellent Human Trafficking forum. The event, “Human Trafficking: Stolen People, Stolen Dreams” focused on the exploitation of children. A panel discussion was provided took place from 1 to 3 p.m.  The panelists include Crystal Anthony, a social worker and anti-human trafficking expert; Christine Cesa, a survivor and expert from Sowers Education Group; Oxnard Police Sgt. Sharon Giles, head of the Sexual and Assault and Family Protection Unit; and Stephany Powell, executive director of the Mary Magdalene Project.

“Trafficking victims are often unwilling or unable to seek help due to fear of deportation or humiliation,” said Suzanne Fussell, M.D., president of the Channel Island Links, Incorporated. “We must as a community shine a light on this underreported crime to help our youth not become unassuming victims.”