The Rhode Island Department of Corrections will hold a training for its adult probation and parole staff, adult counselors, and partners from community service agencies on Human Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation on Friday, September 14, at the Philip W. Noel Judicial Complex (Kent County Courthouse) 3rd floor assembly room, from 9 – 11:30 a.m.. Members of the press are encouraged to attend.
Leading the session will be Sarah DeCataldo, Legal Advocacy Services Coordinator with Day One, Rhode Island's sexual assault and trauma resource center. She has led similar presentations around the state. Topics will include: defining human trafficking and sexual exploitation, methods perpetrators use and how they find victims, the mindset of victims and who is at risk to be a victim, red flags and warning signs that something may be a potential human trafficking case, next steps once a potential case is identified, and local and national resources.
"I'm not sure if it's because there is more of it taking place or because we are paying more attention to the red flags, but this is something we are seeing more and more of in Rhode Island," says DeCataldo. "Probation Officers may come across potential victims or perpetrators on their caseload," she continues, adding that "this is not just a Providence issue. It takes many forms, and we are seeing it across the state."