This year's symposium focuses on Businesses That Traffic. The symposium will take an in-depth look at illicit massage businesses (IMBs) and agricultural enterprises that exploit immigrants, including illegal marijuana growers. The event begins with an optional Introduction to Human Trafficking at 8:00 a.m..
Illicit massage businesses serve as a front for commercial sex operations, most often staffed by women from Asian countries who are human trafficking victims. According to a KRDO investigative report, Hiding in Plain Sight, over 30 such businesses operate throughout Colorado Springs. Lara Mullin, Chief Deputy District Attorney, Denver Human Trafficking Unit will address the victim-centered approach taken by the Denver District Attorney’s Office that builds cases using financial crime statutes, as well as a recent Denver massage licensing ordinance that will shutter illicit businesses.
State Rep. Terri Carver, Colorado House District 20 will discuss efforts to pass a state law addressing IMBs. Nhu Minh Le, Victim Assistance Program Director of the Asian Pacific Development Center will share the resources available to assist those trafficked through IMBs.
Labor Trafficking in Colorado Agriculture will be addressed by Lucila G. Rosas, Senior Attorney Advisor, Office of the Chair, Charlotte A. Burrows, of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. CSPD Det. M. Adam Hughes will address the use of immigrants in illegal marijuana grow operations.
An Introduction to Human Trafficking in Colorado training will also be offered.
The Task Force hosts this free awareness event annually as a way to fulfill our mission to bring awareness and action to our community. The symposium brings together expert speakers to educate and engage our community on various challenging topics in the anti-trafficking movement.
Over and over participants share how important the symposium is to understanding human trafficking in our backyard and plugging into the anti-trafficking movement. Join us this year and take your place in the movement.
Media and the public are encouraged to attend all events.
Thank you for all you do to end the exploitation of human trafficking.
The Human Trafficking Task Force of Southern Colorado
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