__________________________________________Ask the DA

 

I thought that sex trafficking was something that happens in other countries – not here. Could you explain?

Sadly, sex trafficking is widespread and can happen anywhere – including right here in our own borough. It is truly one of the most barbaric crimes that my office deals with. Sex trafficking involves forcing women and children into the sex trade through psychological and physical coercion, including beatings, starvation, confinement and forced drug use, to enslave them and make them do whatever the sex traffickers want.

To combat this horrific crime, I recently created the Brooklyn Sex Trafficking Unit (BKSTU) within my office. BKSTU will work closely with the police and other groups to hunt down and prosecute sex traffickers. In addition, BKSTU staff will conduct meetings at schools and community centers to raise awareness about sex trafficking and its potential signs, provide comprehensive services to victims, and monitor a 24-hour hotline, which victims and people with information about sex trafficking can call. The hotline number is 718-250-2770.

Last week, I announced a community outreach campaign aimed at educating the public about sex trafficking and offering help to victims. The advertising firm of LPNY devoted its resources to create posters, leaflets and public service announcements recorded by actresses Sarah Jessica Parker and Gabourey Sidibe, a Brooklyn native. Posters in various languages will be on display throughout the city to inform people that sex trafficking is a felony and provide information about how to seek help. Flyers will be distributed at my neighborhood offices throughout Brooklyn.

We must put an end to this horrific crime. Educating the public and warning parents about potential predators is an important step in this direction.

For additional information, visit www.brooklynda.org. To have your questions answered in a future column, send them to asktheda@brooklynda.org.

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