Approximately 200 law enforcement officers, attorneys, social workers, healthcare professionals, and college students attended “Unbound: A Human Trafficking Awareness and Response Summit” Friday, Nov. 21, in Aurora.
Kane County State’s attorney Jamie L. Mosser and Aurora University partnered in the event held at the university banquet hall. Mosser and Brandon Kooi, Ph.D., AU criminal justice professor, welcomed attendees in opening remarks. Emcee was Curtis Spivey, host of “Good Morning Aurora,” a podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts and a video version on Facebook Live and YouTube filmed at Aurora Community Television.
Mosser said the free, public, daylong summit was designed to teach how to identify, prevent, and respond to human trafficking in all its forms. Attendees heard from survivors and experts on the front lines of prevention and intervention. Morning breakout sessions focused on practical strategies, multidisciplinary collaboration and trauma-informed approaches to supporting survivors and holding traffickers accountable.
Mosser said, “This gathering reflects a shared commitment to shining light on one of the most urgent human rights issues of our time. Human trafficking devastates lives, families and communities–and it will take all of us working together to end it.
“Through the insights of our speakers, the collaboration of our partners and the strength of our community, we believe that real change is possible.
By working together, we can bring safety and dignity to survivors while holding traffickers accountable.
“Aurora University and the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office stand united in our mission: to protect the vulnerable, to amplify the voices of survivors and to build networks of prevention, intervention and hope.”
Presenters included representatives from Naomi’s House, W. Dundee; Emmaus Community Church, Olympia Fields; Ink180, Oswego; Cook County Sheriff’s Office; and Rush-Copley Medical Center, Aurora.
—Al Benson