Human trafficking conference at Plymouth State

A conference at Plymouth State University is designed to help education, community and behavioral health professionals recognize the impact of human trafficking in New Hampshire.

“Human Trafficking: Research and Prevention Efforts in New Hampshire” will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 8, at Plymouth State. Organizers said the conference will introduce participants to the warning signs of human trafficking, helping them recognize potential victims in their own communities.

Co-sponsored by the faculty of Criminal Justice and Counselor Education and School Psychology, the conference will also explore the legal and emotional impact of human trafficking on victims, their families and their communities.

Conference speakers include: Mike Posanka, resident agent in charge, Homeland Security Investigations; Rebecca Ayling, project director of the NH Human Trafficking Collaborative Task Force; Natalie Glisson, child and family therapist, Riverbend Community Mental Health; Darlene Pawlik, author and speaker at the Darling Princess; and Stephanie Halter, professor at Plymouth State University, Criminal Justice programs.

“Increasing awareness in New Hampshire is critical to ending human trafficking in our state,” said Halter. “We need more people to recognize victims and to help people understand that they are victims. Then, it can be reported to law enforcement and victims can get the help they need.”

The conference is open to the public. For more information, visit go.plymouth.edu/htconference.