sex trafficking – Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP)

Identifying and Responding to the
Online Exploitation and Sex Trafficking of Youth

Thursday, September 21st, 2023
11:30 AM – 4:00 PM (EST.)

Are you passionate about protecting and empowering young people in the digital age? Do you want to learn more about the risks and realities of online exploitation and sex trafficking of youth? If so, join us for the 2023 [virtual] Empower Conference! This annual event is designed to train and equip community members, professionals, and advocates ready to address human trafficking through collective action.

This year, we will hear from lived-experience experts and Michigan-based professionals as they share insights on the nature and scope of online sexual exploitation of youth in Michigan, identify gaps in services and opportunities for reform, as well as provide helpful tips and resources for parents and professionals who are eager to learn how they can protect and empower the youth in their lives to stay safe from online predators.

Agenda

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Typology of Online Sexual Exploitation and Prevalence in Michigan*
Sgt. Matt McLalin – Detective Sergeant, Cyber Section – Computer Crimes Unit (CCU), Intelligence Operations Division, Michigan State Police

12:30 – 2:00 PM
Multidisciplinary Team Response to Online Child Sex Trafficking*
Chrissy Hemphill-Crisis Specialist, National Suicide Prevention Hotline

Jennifer Janetsky – Senior Assistant City Prosecutor, Ann Arbor City Attorney’s Office
Candice Cooper – Victim Assistance Specialist, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
Alex Fagan, LMSW-Clinical, Executive Director, MyPlace Jackson

2:00 – 3:00 PM
A Survivor’s Perspective
Panel discussion with Alice Jay and Lived Experience Experts

3:00 – 4:00 PM
Empowering Youth in a Modern World – A Guide to Digital Safety
Allie Kibler-Campbell – Abuse & Prevention & Outreach Supervisor, Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) of Southwest Michigan

This course is approved by NASW-Michigan
2.5 Social Work Continuing Education hours

(*Please note, these credits only apply to the first 2.5 hours of the event; social workers must attend the live webinar to receive a certificate)

Thank you for joining us on our various Social Media Platforms this month! We are grateful to be able to use these different outlets to help educate and bring awareness to you and your communities about Human Trafficking. Below you will find a list of the resources we have mentioned in our posts this month. We would encourage you to make your way through the list this year. The more we know, the better informed we are and the better we can do at addressing human trafficking in Michigan!