The occurrence of human trafficking is pervasive throughout the United States and is often inadvertently perpetuated by public transit systems as traffickers utilize transit to recruit and transport victims. In response, the Missouri Public Transit Association (MPTA) is addressing this topic and how the transit industry can play a key role in the prevention of human trafficking, during its next Education Series event titled, “Human Trafficking and Transit in Missouri” set for Wednesday, June 23, at 11:00 a.m. virtually via ZOOM. The event is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is required to attend and can be completed here.
“Local Missouri transit systems are no exception to the widespread existence of trafficking on transit,” commented Kimberly Cella, executive director of the Citizens for Modern Transit and Missouri Public Transit Association. “Educating ourselves on the intersections of trafficking can help the 34 transit providers in Missouri and all who access these systems more productively combat human trafficking.”
Panelists include Executive Director Sherrita Allen, MA, LPC, and Jessica Wilkins, LMSW, Administrator of Community Based Services with The Covering House. The Covering House is a non-profit organization that provides refuge and restoration services for sexually exploited children and teenagers using the least restrictive environment.
To learn more about the Missouri Public Transit Association or to complete the needed online registration, visit www.mopublictransit.org. Individuals can also like the organization on Facebook or follow them on Twitter at @MOPublicTransit.
Time: 11 a.m.
Date: June 23, 2021
Location: Zoom