Tuesday, January 11, 2011, is Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking, a modern-day form of slavery, is widespread throughout the United States today, including the greater Boston area. Women, men, and children are being used and exploited by others for financial gain in our communities. Human trafficking is a hidden crime and often goes undetected by authorities and advocates. Some of the clients that we serve may themselves have been the victims of human trafficking. The lack of public awareness about human trafficking, together with a lack of understanding about trafficking survivors and the services they need, present major barriers to combating it.

JRI has three programs actively working on issues of human trafficking. For more information, please see: The New England Coalition Against Trafficking, Project REACH, and My Life My Choice In recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, please join us in a moment of silence today, 1/11/11 at 11:00 a.m., to remember those individuals who have been trafficked or who are still living in conditions of enslavement. Your involvement, voice, and skills can make a difference.

Thank you,

Elise Hopper & Cynthia Kennedy,
Project REACH and the New England Coalition Against Trafficking


Elizabeth K. Hopper, Ph.D.
Clinical Psychologist
The Trauma Center
1269 Beacon St.
Brookline, MA 02446
phone: (617) 232-1303 x211
fax: (617) 232-1280
ehopper@jri.org