Hidden in Plain Sight: The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking

Trafficking victims routinely appear in our courts as domestic violence victims, criminal defendants, or respondents without ever being identified as trafficking victims. When that identification is missed, remedies go unused, safety planning is incomplete, and victims may be prosecuted for conduct compelled by their traffickers. The concern is acute in our rural counties, where Town and Village Courts are often a victim’s only contact with the justice system.

Faculty

•       Jane Anderson, Senior Attorney Advisor, AEquitas, whose curriculum the program follows;

•       Theresa Nietzel, Retired Detective, Erie County (NY) Sheriff’s Office (human trafficking investigations);

•       Hon. Richard Rivera, State-wide Coordinating Judge for Family Court Matters;

•       Hon. E. Danielle Jose-Decker and Hon. Sherri Brooks-Morton, Co-Chairs, Third Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee and Equal Justice in the Courts Committee, presenting the welcome; and

•       Regional Provider Panel – TBD

Co-Sponsors

The Third Judicial District Gender Fairness Committee together with co-sponsorship sought and anticipated from OPDV; NYS Office for Victim Services; St. Peter’s Crime Victim Services for St. Peter’s Health Partners; the NYSBA Women in Law Section; the Capital District Women’s Bar Association; Equinox, Inc.; the Family Violence Litigation Clinic of Albany Law School; and the Albany County Coalition Against Domestic Abuse and/or the Office of the Albany County Executive.