NYS Regional Roundtable Meeting Of Assembly Minority Conference Task Force On Human Trafficking Held Via Zoom Earlier In December

ASSEMBLYMEN NOVAKHOV, CHANG AND PIROZZOLO HOST VIRTUAL NEW YORK CITY REGIONAL MEETING OF THE ASSEMBLY MINORITY CONFERENCE TASK FORCE ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Editor’s note: Readers may remember the testimony before Congress of a whistleblower, Tara Lee Rodas, in the Department of Health and Human Services, bringing light to the human trafficking situation that was going on unchecked in the immigration system.  In her speech, she detailed children who are essentially slaves being transported to the United States, either to work at low-paying jobs or as prostitutes once they have arrived.  Senator Gillibrand has introduced legislation to protect victims of trafficking from being prosecuted for crimes committed while under duress and potentially being trafficked.  One interesting point that was made during the conversation involved victims of sex trafficking who were unable to cooperate with law enforcement, despite their desire and willingness to do so, due to the lack of a stable housing situation. Since many of these individuals would likely have been completely dependent on the person they want to escape, it becomes more difficult for them to find a way out. 

The following questions for discussion were announced in the agenda and at the beginning of the meeting:

1- How can New York strengthen support for survivors and communities??
2- What coordination and tools do law enforcement and prosecutors need to better combat traffickers and help victims?
3- What impact is the migrant crisis having on human trafficking crimes within the state?
4- What kinds of education and training are needed to better equip professionals and all New Yorkers to recognize someone who needs help?

The following was released after the meeting summarizing the issues and discussion:

ASSEMBLYMEN NOVAKHOV, CHANG AND PIROZZOLO GATHER EXPERTS AND STAKEHOLDERS AT A FINAL PUBLIC ROUNDTABLE

Co-Chairs of the Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) brought experts and co-hosts Assemblyman Michael Novakhov (R-Brooklyn), Assemblyman Lester Chang (R,C-Brooklyn), and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R,C-Staten Island) to discuss with stakeholders the impact of human trafficking in the New York City region. Lori Cohen, chief executive director of Protect All Children from Trafficking (PACT) and other advocates shared their professional expertise at this final meeting of the Task Force held virtually on Dec. 2.

Human trafficking cases are difficult to quantify as so many victims remain unknown. According to the 2022 Report from the New York State Interagency Task Force, which was recently published this year, there were 249 confirmed cases, while the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 467 cases of human trafficking involving 622 victims. Most of these victims were sex trafficked.

“Human trafficking is a crime with so many silent victims who are lost with little hope. For the hundreds who are identified in our state annually, how many more remain undiscovered? As a task force, we will explore, with the help of experts and stakeholders, what more New York can do to combat human trafficking and support survivors of these horrific crimes. The many perspectives shared around the state will help us develop legislation and policy recommendations to ensure more people are helped and do not fall victim to human trafficking,” said Maher, ranking Republican on the Committee on Social Services and sitting member of the committees on Children and Families and Mental Health.

“Our Task Force on Human Trafficking is as much a fact-finding mission as it is to raise awareness within our communities that these crimes against vulnerable women and children exist right here in our state. Hearing from individuals from many disciplines working to help victims and prevent trafficking is going to give us a better understanding of the true problem at hand. No matter their walk of life, people deserve to be safe and free. I hope the legislation we develop will move New York state that much closer to a place where trafficking is brought to light so it cannot thrive in darkness,” said Walsh, who is a child advocate in her home county and sits on the committees on Education and Mental Health.

“I am grateful to be part of such an important task force meeting. Human trafficking is a scourge that plagues our society, and we must do everything in our power to put a stop to it. In order to do this, we must listen to all perspectives from stakeholders and concerned citizens, which this task force will achieve,” said Novakhov.

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“As co-host of the New York City regional meeting of the Task Force on Human Trafficking, I am committed to shining a light on this heinous crime and fighting for the protection and dignity of every individual. Together, we will work to strengthen laws, empower survivors and hold traffickers accountable,” said Chang.

“Human trafficking is a heinous crime that preys on vulnerable individuals, tearing apart lives and impacting communities across New York state. This task force is a critical step toward understanding the full scope of the problem and developing real solutions to protect our children and hold perpetrators accountable. As a father and an advocate for justice, I am deeply committed to ensuring that no one is left to suffer in silence. The insights gathered from diverse voices across the state will guide us in crafting legislation and policy changes that protect individuals and prevent future exploitation. By working together, we can dismantle these criminal networks, support survivors on their path to healing and build a future where every individual can live in safety and freedom,” said Pirozzolo.

“PACT commends the Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking for convening this series of critical conversations throughout New York State. As the nation’s first organization dedicated to preventing child sex trafficking and exploitation, PACT recognizes the collective power of partnerships in stopping this human rights violation. Co-chairs Maher and Walsh masterfully brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including those with lived experience, to help New York eradicate this crime and offer opportunities for survivors to rebuild their lives with dignity,” said Cohen.

Among the stakeholders present were representatives from the Kings County District Attorney’s Office, the Bronx County District Attorney’s Office, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Lehman College, Office of the Bronx Bureau President, Restore NYC, Safe Horizon, the Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence, BronxCare Health System, the Bronx Human Trafficking Prevention and Response Task Force, Monroe College’s School of Criminal and Social Justice, Volunteers of America-Greater New York, LifeWay Network, the Richmond University Medical Center Forensic Nursing Program, Freedom Youth Family Justice Center, and Not On My Watch.

Previous meetings of the task force took place in July in Suffolk and Nassau counties, in September in the Capital Region and earlier in October in Western New York, Central New York and the Hudson Valley, where two meetings were held. A special meeting with human trafficking survivors was held via Zoom in November. The New York City meeting concludes the stakeholder meetings. Those wishing to provide written testimony are welcome to email comments to [email protected].

The announcement of the Zoom meeting follows:

Co-chairs Assemblyman Brian Maher (R,C-Walden) and Assemblywoman Mary Beth Walsh (R,C-Ballston) and regional co-hosts Assemblyman Michael Novakhov (R-Brooklyn), Assemblyman Lester Chang (R,C-Brooklyn) and Assemblyman Sam Pirozzolo (R,C-Staten Island) will hold the New York City Regional virtual meeting of the Assembly Minority Conference Task Force on Human Trafficking on Monday, Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Stakeholders and experts will discuss how to strengthen support for survivors, provide better tools and coordination for law enforcement, administer education and training and review the impacts of the migrant crisis in relation to human trafficking.

The below listed stakeholders participated in the discussion:

David Weiss, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit,, Kings County District Attorney’s Office
Stephen Knoepfler, Chief of the Human Trafficking Unit Special Victims Division,, Bronx County District Attorney’s OFFICE
New York City Police Department Detective Bureau Representative Special Agent Brian Gander, Federal Bureau of Investigations, New York Office of CHILD Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Forces
Malinda Cousins, MMSW Admissions Director, Lehman College
Stu Chasabenis, Executive Director of School Support and Operations, NYC Department of Education, Community School District 222
Mahnoor Jaura, MPPH, Deputy Director of Health,, Office of the Bronx Borough President
Lori Cohen, Chief Executive Officer, PACT
Beisi Huang, Director of Client Services,, Restore NYC
Eva Chavez, Anti-Trafficking Program Training and Outreach Manager, Safe Horizon
Cheyne Bluhm, Deputy Director of Curriculum and Learning, PACT
Carolina Lopez, Bronx Program Director, Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence
Vanessa Legagnuer, Esq., Director of Human Trafficking and Awareness Prevention, New York City Department of Education
Diane Stroom, Coordinator, Bronx Human Trafficking Task Force
Dr. Peter Sherman, Chairman of Pediatrics, BronxCare Health System
Guylaine Harrison, Esq., MBBA, Dean of the School of Criminal and Social Justice, Monroe University
Jacqueline Collazo, LMHC, Sector Director of Domestic Violence Services, Volunteers of America-Greater New York
Ruby Panniagua, Program Coordinator, Rising Ground Inc.
Allison Boak, Executive Director, Lifeway Network
Isa-ngozi Shoneyinn, MSN. WWHNP, SAANE-A, SAANE-P, NYYSAFE-P, Forensic Nurse Care Coordinator, Emergency Department, Richmond University Department
Joseph Ridley, Executive Director, Freedom Youth Family Justice Center Pamela Damon, Executive Director, Not On My Watch
Heather A. Joseph, Unit Chief, Community Engagement Unit, Office of the Bronx District Attorney

Banner Image: Previous task force announcement banner. Image Credit – Task Force on Human Trafficking