By Maxine Bogle, Special Writer
MONROE — In recognition of January being human trafficking awareness month, the Monroe Township League of Women Voters presented 15 minutes of a documentary entitled “Tricked.”
Held inside the local library’s conference room, the quick preview of the film highlighted all aspects of the sex trade, including interviews by the victims, the johns, the pimps and the police officers that try to stop the billion-dollar industry.
Andrea Pellezzi, who is the chairman of Monroe Townships League of Women Voters and host of the event, believes with awareness, such as this film, comes a change.
“The more people who are aware of the possibilities, of what’s going on or even the fact that it’s difficult to prosecute the pimps, then perhaps we can as a community change things,” said Ms. Pellezzi.
Once the film wrapped up, Ms. Pellezzi introduced Monroe Police Sgt. Lisa Robinson who took to the podium to highlight keys topics that stood out to her while watching the film.
“One common thread that I noticed with all of them (the victims) was the low self esteem,” said Sgt. Robinson. “I wondered, when I watched, where’s the family? Where’s the support system? Why can’t they call them immediately?”
As Sgt. Robinson continued, she brought up a point that many in the crowd had whispered to one another while the film was being previewed.
“As you can see, intelligence has nothing to do with it,” Sgt. Robinson said passionately. “Because you have the one student (in the film) who was admitted into Northwestern, and you figure, she had to have the intelligence to get to Northwestern, but then where’s the self esteem to believe in yourself. To not be bought into that kind of mind game or manipulation. But it happens every day.”
Before closing with her last perspective, Sgt. Robinson went over a new law that was adopted and signed into law in May of 2013 called the Human Trafficking Prevention, Protection and Treatment Act. The act focuses on three components, which are Prosecution, Protection and Prevention.
Prosecution ensures that laws are being enforced. Protection ensures that victims are protected from legal ramification, as well as assisted with funds to help with rehabilitation. Prevention focuses solely on education.
With this new law in place, law enforcement has been able to successfully prosecute people in Middlesex County, like in the case of the 2014 Super Bowl, where 45 people were arrested and 16 juveniles were rescued during a two-week crackdown.
Once everyone in the room finished clapping for Sgt. Robinson, the floor was opened for questions, which lead to many residents, like Sally Sperber, in an uproar over why the film has not been shown to young adults.
“I’m curious,” said Sperber. “I mean it’s very well to show us this movie, but I’m wondering if this is shown to the college kids or to the high school kids.”
While residents mumbled amongst one another, Adrienne Fein, who is a member of the Monroe Township League of Women Voters, jumped into the discussion.
“One of the things we have been working on for several months now, and we do have a contact finally at Monroe Township High School, is to get this program into the high school,” said Fein. “What can be more shocking than to know a girl who won a four-year scholarship to a college and two weeks later was in trouble? So we are working with the high school and anybody that would like to help us, we are always looking for help with this project.”
For almost an hour, residents of Monroe continued to ask additional questions and wonder how such an issue has not been addressed more.
Libby Rosenburg said she could not believe that such a crime could be committed in New Jersey.
“To be honest with you,” said Ms. Rosenburg. “all my life I’ve lived in New Jersey and I’ve never been aware that it was happening around here.”
If you are ever going away on vacation, to college or an area that you have never visited, Sgt. Robinson believes these tips can be helpful.
“Give your family your itinerary, where you’re staying and who you’re going with.” Sgt. Robinson stated. “Have check-in times and or code words. If you use a code word, at least your family will know that you’re in trouble.”
Robinson also stated that you should always travel in a pack and if the group you are with is drinking, then designate one person as a look out to ensure no one gets into trouble.