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SALT LAKE CITY — Earlier this year, Gov. Gary Herbert released a proclamation declaring January as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Utah. Statistics in the proclamation revealed that human trafficking is the world’s fastest-growing criminal enterprise, with more than 40 million "modern-day slaves."
While many organizations are working diligently to stop human trafficking on the international level, there’s also a crucial need to confront it here in Utah. The Junior League of Salt Lake City is helping to raise awareness by organizing the first-ever Love Heals Forum.
Many locals are familiar with the Junior League because of the annual events they sponsor in the Salt Lake area. Each summer, the CARE FAIR provides free medical, dental and vision services to needy families. And the Kentucky Derby Event is a Southern-style party that raises awareness and funds for the organization’s ongoing projects.
“This is the first Love Heals Forum in Salt Lake City,” said Junior League of Salt Lake City President Callaway McKay. “It’s a unique opportunity to learn from experts, as well as exchange ideas with city officials, nonprofits, churches, and key players interested in creating solutions for the widespread human trafficking epidemic.”
Salt Lake County Mayor Ben McAdams and Salt Lake City Mayor Jacki Biskupski will be in attendance, providing introductions and context. The keynote speaker will be Rev. Becca Stevens, who has been named a CNN Hero and a White House “Champion of Change” for her work with survivors of abuse. Stevens, an Episcopal priest, is the founder and president of Thistle Farms. Her organization supports survivors with housing, medical care, therapy and education.
Local experts will also participate in the forum. Dr. Kathy Franchek-Roa, assistant professor of pediatrics at the University of Utah School of Medicine, will give a presentation called “The Neurobiology of Trauma: Caring for Victims of Trafficking.”
Franchek-Roa is an advocate for using a trauma-informed approach to identifying and intervening for patients who are victims of abuse and exploitation. She chairs the University Hospital and Clinics Domestic Violence Committee and the Health Care Workgroup for the Utah Domestic Violence Coalition.
There will also be a panel discussion called “Survivors Speak Up,” where human trafficking survivors will share stories of how they found their way to safety and healed from their traumatic experiences.
The event will be held on Friday, March 23 at the Episcopal Church Center of Utah at 75 S. 200 East in Salt Lake City. Registration is $25 and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. You can register for the Love Heals Forum by clicking here.
