Addabbo looks to help spread awareness about human trafficking

State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. has recently collaborated with the organization Not On My Watch! Safe Haven Network International to help bring greater awareness to the tragic issues of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Not On My Watch! is a local organization that attempts to shed light on and combat human trafficking as well as domestic violence through secular means, while the Safe Haven Network is the faith-based component of Not On My Watch Inc. The organizations combine to create an action network comprised of faith leaders, human trafficking and domestic violence survivors, service providers, and government agencies working together to end human trafficking and domestic violence.

Reverend Dr. Que English founded Not On My Watch! in order to not only raise awareness of this terrible practice, but to train people in the faith-based community, concerned citizens and community organizations, as well as officials from all levels of government through national conferences and other training events.

Human trafficking is described as the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others. While human trafficking does affect men, the targets are mostly women and children.

Addabbo is dedicated in helping English and her organization achieve their goal of reaching 1,000,000 people through education and awareness by 2020.

“Human trafficking is a major issue that affects men, women, and children across the United States, and even right here in New York,” Addabbo said. “One of the best ways we can combat this terrible trade of human beings for forced labor and sexual acts is by raising awareness and educating people about human trafficking and domestic violence, how to notice the indicators of these activities to help identify potential victims, and where to report such instances. It is my pleasure to work with Rev. Dr. English and her organization to help bring an end to this despicable practice.”

“I was so grateful to be able to forge a partnership with Senator Addabbo and look forward to our work together in his community to combat human trafficking,” English said. “It is quite clear that this senator is a senator for the people. Thank you for the partnership with Not on My Watch as we deal with this atrocity that is increasing in our own backyard.”

To learn more about Not On My Watch Inc. and Safe Haven International, and to sign up for an upcoming training session, visit www.shnintl.org.