Trafficking

"New challenges in preventing and combating human trafficking affecting children have emerged," particularly as traffickers are using the Internet "to advertise and sell children online for sexual exploitation and to distribute child sexual abuse material," said Maryknoll Sister Abby Avelino, international coordinator for the international network, Talitha Kum.

To combat human trafficking in Vietnam, Catholic sisters support survivors and act to protect vulnerable people by establishing avenues to employment and sustainable livelihoods.

Dawn's Place is a yearlong program, but that is just the very start of the journey survivors are on, says Sr. Meaghan Patterson, executive director.

Talitha Kum, an international network of women religious against human trafficking, outlined its priorities for the next five years, including a renewed push for systemic change and expanding global partnerships.

The event featured Catholic sisters and representatives of key organizations battling human trafficking, who discussed pivotal partnerships, technology and programs helping to prevent trafficking and to aid survivors.

Sr. Philomena Okwu was presented an award of excellence for her outstanding dedication to victims of human trafficking and contribution to anti-human trafficking efforts by Nigeria's Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour.

"It's happening everywhere. It can happen to anyone," Maryknoll Sr. Abby Avelino, international coordinator of Talitha Kum, said during an online panel. "Everybody has a role to play to combat human trafficking."

From A Nun's Life podcasts - St. Francis of Assisi Sr. Margaret Kruse talks about the creation of Sisters Program South, which offers respite for women who are in prostitution or who have been trafficked in Milwaukee.