NY-CRC STOP Workshop

Taking action to stop the demand for human trafficking, especially in regards to sex trafficking of women and childStop-the-Demaand-2009_481ren was the topic addressed at a day-long workshop presented by the New York Coalition of Religious Congregations – Stop Trafficking Of Persons (NYCRC-STOP). The coalition was formed in June, 2005 and has grown to a membership of 30 religious congregations representing thousands of Sisters, brothers and priests throughout the State of New York. The message and purpose is clear. The tragedy of human trafficking must be stopped, locally and globally.

The Coalition has worked to bring about human trafficking awareness in schools, parishes and police precincts on the reality of human trafficking, what it is and what to look for. They have advocated on behalf of laws in New York State and at the national level that would criminalize perpetrators while offering assistance to victims. They are working with LifeWay Network, Inc. to offer safe, short-term housing possibilities to survivors of this heinous crime.

Stop-the-Demand-2009_501The panel of speakers and their topics included:

Sr. Arlene Flaherty, a Dominican Sister of Blauvelt serving at Catholic Relief Services, offered input on the causes and forces associated with sex trafficking and steps that are being taken to impact levels of demand.

Sr. Rosemary Sullivan, CND, Peace and Justice Ministry, Congregation of Notre Dame, spoke on the United Nations NGO UNANIMA and it’s Stop the Demand Campaign.

Sr. Joan S. Dawber, SC, Executive Director LifeWay Network spoke on the REED group’s (Resist Exploitation Embrace Dignity) efforts to bring awareness to and stop the demand for human trafficking at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

Br. Gerald Doherty, FMS Marists Brothers of the Schools, addressed the work of the group Men Can Stop Rape.

Sr. Ethel Howley, SSND, Asst. Director JPIC Office SSND spoke on the United Nations Blue Heart Campaig.

Sr. Claire Regan, SC, Coordinator of Justice Ministries for Sisters of Charity New York addressed the issue of
Consumer Advocacy Against Demand.

Sr. Flaherty guided group discussions and focused feedback to highlight future action steps from participants,
local groups and religious congregations’ members and associates in ministry. The day concluded with prayer and
a ritual of commitment.

The following suggestions were presented to help put an end to human trafficking.

  • before you make flight arrangements, check to see if the airlines has signed on to the “Code of Conduct.
    (code of Conduct for the Protection of Children from Sexual Exploitation in Travel and Tourism” from ECPAT USA. www.ecpatusa.org )
  • before booking a hotel/motel, check to see if they have signed on to the “Code of Conduct”
  • if there are ads for “escort services,” in yellow and checker cabs call and protest.
  • work to prevent the exploitation of women and girls at the Vancouver Olympic Games 2010 by writing to Michael Wilson,
    Canadian Ambassador to the U.S.

Ambassador Michael Wilson
Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Download the Stop the Demand Postcard