Commissioners proclaim January as human trafficking awareness month

The Harrison County commissioners recognized January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month through a proclamation presented by members of the Tri-County Help Center.

Legal advocate Danielle Manbeck outlined events planned by the help center, noting some had already been held.

The Belmont Aces Committee will host a training series, Building a Safety Net: Childhood Trauma and Abuse Prevention and Intervention, Jan. 23. Another event, Darkness to Light, is scheduled for April 13 from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Both will be held at the ECOESC Learning Center in Bridgeport.

Manbeck also said Awareness in Action will be held Jan. 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Monroe County MANNA Food Pantry, where participants will create outreach kits. Donated nonperishable items will be presented to the pantry as a result of the help center’s December efforts. The Cadiz Puskarich Library will host the Blue Heart Awareness event at 11 a.m. Jan. 30.

Sexual Assault Program Facilitator JaQue Galloway also discussed the organization’s work.

“The point of the events that we are doing is very tailored to the survivor’s experience in our three-county area,” Galloway said.

Galloway also praised Harmony House Child Advocacy Sexual Assault Center for its work.

Commissioner Dustin Corder read the proclamation, which describes human trafficking as a grave violation of human rights that often exploits women and children and notes it occurs in communities of all sizes, including Harrison County.

The proclamation calls for a unified effort involving government agencies, law enforcement, health care professionals, victim advocates, faith-based organizations, businesses and community members.