GCC Hosts Criminal Justice Day Event

BATAVIA, NY (04/09/2013)(readMedia)-- To recognize National Crime Victims' Rights Week, which runs from April 21 – April 27, 2013, Genesee Community College's Criminal Justice program including the Criminal Justice Student Club are joining forces with the Mental Health Association in Genesee County, along with numerous other regional organizations in an event that aims to raise awareness about the rights and needs of crime victims. The topic of Criminal Justice Day 2013 is Human Trafficking; Victims Among Us, and will feature U.S. Attorney William Hochul, Jr. as one of the panelists at the daylong program scheduled Monday, April 22, 2013 in room T-102 of GCC's Conable Technology Building. The event runs from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., and participants are asked to register by April 12, 2013. The cost, $20 per person, $12 for students and seniors, includes a buffet lunch.

Prior to the event at 8:30 a.m., the Veterans Administration Color Guard will raise the flag to honor all victims of crime.

The discussion will highlight information about the myths and misconceptions of human trafficking, considered to be one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world. Participants will talk about who the victims are, how they are victimized and by whom. Statistics indicate in the United States a woman or child is trafficked every 10 minutes, and it is estimated that 27 million people around the world are living in slavery.

A group of panelists will discuss recent cases of human trafficking in Western New York. Most human trafficking in the U.S. occurs in New York, Florida, and California. They will also share information about resources available when exploitation has occurred. Panelists include:

• William J. Hochul, Jr. ~ United States Attorney, Western District of New York

• Deputy Elizabeth Fildes ~ Human Trafficking Program Director

• Special Agent Trish Calleri ~ Dept. of Homeland Security ~ Bureau of HSI (Homeland Security Investigations)

• Special Agent Jennifer Amo ~ FBI Task Force

• Kerry Battenfeld ~ Victim Services Community Educator and Advocate, International Institute of Buffalo

"Each year, Genesee Community College helps coordinate and sponsor a special Law Day event that brings together key players surrounding an important issue or topic within criminal justice today. It not only gives our students the benefit of delving deeply into a contemporary topic, but it also exposes them to the various degrees, levels and different fields or industries related to that topic, and even gives them the chance to network or meet important members of our criminal justice community," Karen Wicka, GCC's assistant profession of Criminal Justice said. "This year, we are delighted to be teaming up with such a dynamic group of organizations and individuals in what promises to be informative and critically essential to stemming the horrific crime of human trafficking."

Criminal Justice Day 2013 partners include Batavia City Police Department, Department of Veterans Affairs, Genesee Justice, Genesee County District Attorney's Office, Genesee Council of Alcohol and Substance Abuse (GCASA), Genesee County Sheriff's Department, Rape Crisis Services, YWCA Domestic Violence, Genesee County Youth Bureau, as well as the Mental Health Association in Genesee County and Genesee Community College.

The event is open to the public. Participants are asked to register by April 12, 2013 by contacting the Mental Health Association in Genesee County at (585) 344-2611.

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