"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.

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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

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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.