Mercy hosts anti-human trafficking global initiative

Mercy Cedar Rapids is partnering with the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) and Chains Interrupted to host a global anti-human trafficking symposium on Jan. 24, titled, “Barriers Faced by Sex Trafficking Survivors.”

This hybrid event will feature a panel of survivors and advocates. They will discuss the barriers survivors face trying to leave the life of sex trafficking, as well as the barriers they face once they are out of the life – in mental health, financial health, the criminal justice system, the healthcare industry and more.

The event is free and open to the public. Individuals can participate virtually via Zoom or in-person at Mercy’s Hallagan Education Center. The event will be recorded for those registered and unable to attend at the time presented.

Mercy’s Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator, Teresa Davidson, ARNP, MSN, MA, is the event organizer and will be one of the symposium panelists.

“People victimized by human trafficking often face incredible barriers in finding freedom and restoration once they are free from their traffickers,” Davidson said. “There’s an enormous need for a united effort to address this issue and develop a comprehensive response to the problem. This is a great passion of mine and I’m honored to work with such strong survivors in bringing this issue to the forefront.”

Other panelists include:

• Gretchen Brown-Waech, human trafficking coordinator, Iowa Attorney General’s Office, Crime Victim Assistance Division
• Heather Brown, survivor & advocate
• Chris Singer, survivor
• Eliza Bleu, survivor & advocate

Mercy was the first hospital in Iowa and one of just a handful in the country to create a hospital-based position to address the problem of human trafficking.

Teresa Davidson is responsible for leading the hospital’s efforts to strengthen the comprehensive response to victims of human trafficking. She is also co-founder and CEO of Chains Interrupted.