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YOUNGSTOWN – The American Association of University Women of Youngstown and Warren-Trumbull County and the YWCA are co-sponsoring a symposium on fighting drug and human trafficking 5 to 8 p.m. today at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 1105 Elm St.
A resource fair will be 5 to 6 p.m., followed by a panel discussion 6 to 8 p.m. The panelists are:
* Judge Renee DiSalvo, who created the Valley's first Ohio Supreme Court Specialized Docket for Victims of Human Trafficking, which is called GRACE (Growth Restored through Acceptance, Change, and Empowerment). She is a top advocate against human trafficking and speaks and provides training on the issue. To fight mental health issues in the area, Judge DiSalvo started a misdemeanor specialized mental health court named Phoenix that received its initial certification from the Ohio Supreme Court on Sept. 14. She is also working with local and state officials and agencies to create a county-wide mental health plan. She is part of many community and professional groups and has won many honors and awards.
* Amy Bordonaro is the executive director of Free Three Ministry, which provides public awareness, community outreach and direct care for trafficking survivors. Her goal is to empower communities by working as a special victim advocate and by spreading awareness across the state.
* Christina LaPointe Jackson was a victim of human trafficking and is now an advocate who helps other survivors rebuild their lives through “Uncaged Hearts and Paws.” This program provides a safe and caring place for women who are new to recovery or returning from prison, allowing them to start renewing their lives by connecting with animals.
Mahoning and Trumbull counties are considered significant problem areas for both drug and human trafficking. Traffickers target people who are struggling with economic, social, emotional or housing issues, or who are part of marginalized groups. Anyone who has faced trauma, neglect, low self-esteem or isolation could be at risk of becoming a victim. Human trafficking most often affects women and families who are not getting enough support, with many being forced into the sex trade.
Drug traffickers may use drug addiction as a way to control or force people into a human trafficking network. People with substance use disorders are among the most vulnerable groups to trafficking.
“We are sponsoring this program because we want to educate the public and help women, families and the community to combat trafficking. We want the support of laws and policies that protect those who are most at risk, help healthcare systems and economic growth, and make communities safer,” a news release from the AAUW states.
Registration can be made online at http://www.ywcamahoningvalley.org/