Human Trafficking is defined as the use of force, fraud, or coercion in exchange for labor, service, or commercial sex acts. The United States has historically been a country that has seen high volumes of Human Trafficking, currently it is the 2nd largest growing criminal industry, the first being drug trafficking. This country has also increased its awareness, education, and resources to address this worldwide issue. We describe human trafficking in categories: Pimp-Controlled Trafficking, Gang-Controlled Trafficking, Familial Trafficking, and Buyer-perpetrated Trafficking. The crime of human trafficking has increased over the past decade and has become a 54-billion-dollar business.
Perpetrators find value in selling individuals due to the “reuse” of the person. Through education and awareness, we have seen a strong push through our government for tougher legal penalties, more funding for resources, and more education for awareness. Human Trafficking is a crime that is defined by “hidden in plain sight.” It is a crime that deeply wounds individuals physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
New Jersey’s Governmental leaders are looking for specific legislation that incorporates human trafficking and those that partake in this crime can be charged with major crimes and penalties, bring more education and awareness to the community, and offer funding to help agencies that want to assist in effective change for these victims. (Cite the legislation numbers).
Currently we have agencies and task forces to help a person “escape,” seek legal help, and “hide.” We utilize our current mental health systems to address the physical, emotional, and spiritual psyche of the victim. When healing is in the process, we find victims in a place of “now what.”
“Enough” will establish relationships with surrounding existing mental health and substance misuse programs, the local prosecutor’s office, and job readiness/higher education entities to ensure that individuals needing monetary or structural support are given the tools they need to not fall back into situations such as sex trafficking.
“Enough” will be an established 501(c) organization to help bring aide and assistance to identified victims of human trafficking and domestic violence. In a recent summit hosted in Gloucester County we heard from local law enforcement, assembly members, and agencies on what is needed for this state. Like most public awareness housing, funding, and linkage to mental health services top that list.
The United States is a land of opportunity. As a nation we place value on ensuring that individuals have access to mental health/addiction services, healthcare, housing, employment/ continued education, medical care, food subsidies, energy subsidies, and transportation. Statistically we see individuals that have these entitlements start to thrive in society and will leave a life of crime, entrapment, or institutionalization to better themselves. The backbone of New Jersey’s mental health and correctional systems are built around this. “Enough” will look to be a portal of funding and service linkages to support our current agencies and systems.
“Enough” will establish relationships with surrounding existing mental health and substance misuse programs, the local prosecutor’s office, and job readiness/higher education entities to ensure that individuals needing monetary or structural support are given the tools they need to not fall back into situations such as sex trafficking.
The CEO of “Enough” is Jennifer Plews and Vice President Kathleen Santanello.
Jennifer Plews has an MA in Mental Health Counseling and is a Certified Psychiatric Screener for New Jersey. She has over 20 years of experience in New Jersey’s intricate Mental Health System of care and has been an advocate for individuals that are diagnosed with Severe Persistent Mental Illness. Jennifer has been a member of local health and human services boards, Gloucester, and Cape May’s Prosecutors Mental Health Commitee, 988 implementation team member, MHESA Chairperson, and Mental Health 101 System of care trainer as well as other achievements with NJ Mental Health System.
Kathleen Santanello is the owner of Work Zone Contractors. A road construction company since 2007. Kathy is a mother of 4 children and Grandmother of 7. She has had a passion for community service and support helping individuals.
This established 501 (c) will partner with Work Zone Contractors to further enhance the work of TAT (Truckers Against Trafficking) with educating and being identified as a resource for an individual looking to escape.