LEWISTON — In recognition of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month in January, Safe Voices and Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Service invites the public to attend a vigil to remember the lives of Mainers lost to human trafficking.
This vigil is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Dufresne Plaza, 72 Lisbon St.
Speakers will include representatives from both Safe Voices and SAPARS, FBI Special Agent Adam Morin, and Ashley Wade, domestic violence detective with the Lewiston Police Department, as well as statements from trafficking survivors.
Safe Voices welcomes attendees to the organization’s 100 Lisbon St. office directly following the vigil for a hot cocoa social.
Safe Voices is a local, nonprofit organization serving survivors of domestic violence and abuse, as well as human trafficking, sex trafficking and sexual exploitation, according to a news release from Danielle Eaton, training coordinator with the organization.
SAPARS works to prevent sexual violence and serves survivors of rape, sexual assault, child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, stalking and sexual harassment. Safe Voices and SAPARS services are available to anyone in Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.
“Human trafficking is happening, not only all across our country but right here in our own communities,” said Elise Johansen, Safe Voices’ executive director. “Maine law enforcement handles over 300 trafficking cases every year, and those are just the ones that are reported.”
Johansen emphasized that sex trafficking can happen to anyone regardless of their gender, biological sex, race, socioeconomic background, national origin, sexual orientation or ability. However, some populations are disproportionately victimized by this crime including children, women, LGBTQ+ people and people of color. Additionally, people struggling with vulnerabilities such as homelessness and those living in poverty are targeted by traffickers.
Those who have questions about trafficking, or are concerned for themself or someone they know, are encouraged to call Safe Voices at 800-559-2927 or SAPARS at 800-871-7741. Safe Voices and SAPARS services are free and confidential.
Safe Voices also offers a wide array of free trainings, including in-depth trafficking-specific training.
For more information on Safe Voices’ training menu and how to arrange a training for a workplace, place of worship or community group, contact Eaton at [email protected] or 207-795-6744 ext. 205.