Rhode Island Senate designates January 2024 as Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month; survivor advocates join chamber
January 18, 2024 | Legislative, Rhode Island
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The Rhode Island Senate on Jan. 18 adopted a resolution designating January 2024 as Rhode Island Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and heard testimony from survivor-advocacy leaders.
Senator Elaine J. Morgan introduced the resolution, citing international and national estimates of trafficking and urging heightened awareness and legislative reform. "The scourge of human trafficking is experienced by people of all genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, and ages," Morgan said while moving passage of the measure.
Morgan introduced two guests who work with survivor-support programs: Holly Otten and Susan Flanders, described in the chamber as founders or leaders with Tin Man Ministries and Healing Hots (transcript spelling). Morgan said the groups provide an eight-week, faith-based Healing Hearts curriculum and have lobbied for policy changes. "There is a definite connection between childhood abuse and trafficking," Morgan said, urging colleagues to welcome the guests.
The resolution text presented in the chamber cites United Nations definitions and international estimates of trafficking and calls on the secretary of state to transmit certified copies to the U.S. president, the governor, and the U.N. secretary-general. The resolution was moved, seconded, and adopted by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
What happens next: The resolution is ceremonial and directs the secretary of state to distribute certified copies; it does not itself change statute or appropriate funds.
Sources: Senate reading and remarks by Senator Elaine J. Morgan; introductions of Holly Otten and Susan Flanders as recorded in the Senate transcript.
Senator Elaine J. Morgan introduced the resolution, citing international and national estimates of trafficking and urging heightened awareness and legislative reform. "The scourge of human trafficking is experienced by people of all genders, races, ethnicities, abilities, and ages," Morgan said while moving passage of the measure.
Morgan introduced two guests who work with survivor-support programs: Holly Otten and Susan Flanders, described in the chamber as founders or leaders with Tin Man Ministries and Healing Hots (transcript spelling). Morgan said the groups provide an eight-week, faith-based Healing Hearts curriculum and have lobbied for policy changes. "There is a definite connection between childhood abuse and trafficking," Morgan said, urging colleagues to welcome the guests.
The resolution text presented in the chamber cites United Nations definitions and international estimates of trafficking and calls on the secretary of state to transmit certified copies to the U.S. president, the governor, and the U.N. secretary-general. The resolution was moved, seconded, and adopted by voice vote with no recorded opposition.
What happens next: The resolution is ceremonial and directs the secretary of state to distribute certified copies; it does not itself change statute or appropriate funds.
Sources: Senate reading and remarks by Senator Elaine J. Morgan; introductions of Holly Otten and Susan Flanders as recorded in the Senate transcript.
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