Whitworth University Press Release - Human Trafficking Conference

Area Advocates Seek to Stop Slavery in the 21st Century

Conference and evening presentation Nov. 16
to address human trafficking and domestic violence

The evening presentation will take place at 7 p.m. in Weyerhaeuser Hall's Robinson Teaching Theatre at Whitworth College. Fredricks will discuss the dynamics of domestic violence, and Goldman will discuss human trafficking, the dynamics of victimization of immigrant populations, and indicators to help lay people identify potential victims.

The daylong conference will take place from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. in Quall Hall at Whitworth Presbyterian Church, located at 312 W. Hawthorne Road. Refreshments and a working lunch will be provided at the conference. Admission to the conference and evening presentation is free. Conference registration is required.

The conference will feature The Rev Thelma Burgonio-Watson, program director of the Faith Trust Institute; the Rev. Kevin Fredericks; Lila Lama Ghising, a Nepalese trafficking refugee; and a panel comprised of Whitworth students who will discuss "Real Efforts You Can Do." The conference is presented by Faith Partners Working against Family Violence; The Western Regional Institute for Community Oriented Public Safety; and the YWCA Alternatives to Domestic Violence.

For more information about the Nov. 16 conference and the evening presentation, or to register for the conference, please visit www.wricops.org or call (509) 358-7949.

Goldman has more than 33 years of experience working in the field of public safety. He is executive director of WRICOPS, at Washington State University Spokane. He is also a former elected sheriff and was director of Emergency Management of Spokane County.

Fredricks has served as associate pastor in Presbyterian churches in Mississippi, Tennessee, and North Carolina. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Helpmate Domestic Violence Shelter and for the past 10 years has worked to raise awareness of domestic violence.

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private, liberal arts college affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (USA). The college, which has an enrollment of 2,500 students, offers more than 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.

John Goldman, executive director, Western Regional Institute for Community Oriented Public Safety, Washington State University, (509) 358-7949, or goldman@wsu.edu.

Julie Riddle, public information officer, Whitworth College, (509) 777-3729 or jriddle@whitworth.edu.