Summit shines light on sex trafficking

Human sex trafficking and violence against women. These are issues that many people do not like to talk about, and some like to pretend do not exist. But the unfortunate reality is that these crimes are happening to girls and women around the country -- including right here in Camas and Washougal. This was illustrated quite clearly this past summer when Anji Dean, a Camas High School student, was lured from her home and according to authorities, became a victim of sex trafficking. Anji was rescued from the situation and has been getting the help she needs, but many girls continue to be victimized and abused. These and other related issues are being brought to the forefront this weekend as part of the "No More Summit." Organized by the Vancouver-based National Women's Coalition Against Violence and Exploitation, Saturday's event, with sponsors including the Soroptimist International of Camas-Washougal, will touch on a wide variety of topics including child safety, sexual assault, domestic violence, rape, human trafficking, bullying and hate crimes. Among the presenters will be Dean's parents, Lynda and Terry Jorgensen, the parents of domestic violence victims Susan Cox Powell and Crystal Brame, as well as a slew of presenters sure to leave an impact such as members of the Clark County Human Trafficking Task force and Clark County Court Appointed Special Advocates, U.S. Attorney S. Amanda Marshall and Dr. Kathie Mathis of NWCAVE. With a greater knowledge and understanding of how and why these kinds of crimes occur, we can more successfully work toward helping and empowering victims and ultimately preventing them from ever happening. For more information about the No More Summit, visit www.nomoresummit.org.

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