Friday, April 22, 2011

"Real Men Don't Buy Girls"

Yesterday in front of Old Main there were red and white streamers, tables, signs and people with a passion to end modern day slavery; human trafficking. Students gathered to hear the eye opening speaker who told tales of real people he has worked with and how though it may seem like a never ending fight, each and every person listening has the power to make a difference to end the battle against human trafficking.

Everyone has a voice, it all depends on whether you choose to use it or not. I can proudly say that Kutztown University students use their voices and stand up against human trafficking by signing the 2011-2012 PA Human Trafficking Legislation Endorsement Form. This Form urges PA legislators to strongly support and enact the following efforts:

Posting of the National Human Trafficking Hotline HB235 and SB338

SPONSORS:Representative Clymer and Senator Leach

-This legislation would require the posting of the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (888-3737-888) in key locations to provide assistance, tip reporting and training on human trafficking to victicms, community members and law enforcement

Clarification of Sex Trafficking

SPONSORS:Senator Leach

-The clarification of sex trafficking in PA's Criminal Code will explictly define sex trafficking as a criminal offense under the human trafficking law. This clarification of sex trafficking as a crime would also define criminal activity within the Criminal Code that is currently not defined under the existing law.

Human Trafficking Victim Support-Vacating Convictions

SPONSOR: Senator Leach

This bill would provide a process for victim of human trafficking to petition the court to have convictions for prostitution related offenses vacated from their criminal record if those convictions occured while they were a victim of sex trafficking as defined under state or federal law.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

SOME FACTS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING:

-There Are An Estimated 27 Million People Trapped In Slavery At This Moment

-There Are An Estimated 13 Million Children Trapped In Slavery At This Moment

-The Average Age Of A Young Woman First Being Trafficked Is 12-14 Years Old

-75% Of Human Trafficking Is For Sexual Exploitation


-75% Of All Victims Of Human Trafficking Are Female


-Over 50% Of All Human Trafficking Victims Are Children

-As Many As 30% Of Human Trafficking Victims Will Have An Encounter With A Healthcare Professional DURING The Time That They Are Being Held In Slavery, And Virtually None Of These Individuals Will Be Recognized As Victims By Their Healthcare Provider

Learn more http://doctorsatwar.org/human-trafficking-facts.php

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

HOW CAN YOU HELP??

Raise awareness! Educate others! Speak to your legislation! If you are a Kutztown Student/Faculty Member/If you know where the Women's Center is come sign the PA Human Trafficking Legislation Endorsement Form. You CAN make a difference.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

End Campus Violence Week

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This year's theme is "It's time..to get involved." The campaign encourages witnesses of sexual assault to speak up and get involved in their communities.

The campaign also focuses on speaking up to prevent sexual violence in our neighborhoods, communities, workplaces and schools. From April 12th to April 16th Kutztown University students are taking a stand against sexual assault and campus violence with a week of events and educational visuals for "End Campus Violence Week." You can get involved and take part in these great events.

MONDAY:

Movie Night in the Women's Center Oasis Old Main Room 3 "Once Were Warriors"

TUESDAY:

Visual Performance of how many people are affected by Sexual Assault on the SUB lawn, 11 a.m.

WEDNESDAY:

"Where's your line?" Enlightenment series workshop, 8 p.m. in the Multicultural Center.

THURSDAY:

9a.m.-5p.m. The Clothesline Project in the Bell Tower.

7 p.m. Take Back the Night in the Bear's Den in the Student Union.

FRIDAY:

Day of Silence

Some Sexual Assault Facts!!!

---In 2007, there were 248,300 victims of rape, attempted rape, or sexual assault.1 (These figures do not include victims 12 years old or younger.)(RAINN)

---Every 2 minutes, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted.(RAINN)



Important KU Contacts

Public Safety
Emergency 610-683-4001
Non-Emergency/Escort 610-683-4002
Health & Wellness 610-683-4082
Counseling Services 610-683-4072
Berks Women in Crisis 610-372-9540
Women's Center 610-683-4655


Learn more about this year's campaign!

http://www.nsvrc.org/saam/current-campaign