Tuesday, January 8, 2013

FRC to Host Hon. Linda Smith, Mark Blackwell for Human Trafficking Webcast Lecture


WASHINGTON, D.C. - Family Research Council (FRC) will host the Hon. Linda Smith of Shared Hope International and Mark Blackwell of Justice Ministries for a Family Policy Lecture entitled "Human Trafficking: Modern Slavery," on Wednesday, January 9, at 12 p.m. Eastern.

Human trafficking is an often-ignored issue in policy discussions because of the unpleasant nature of the topic. But thanks to the pioneering work of people like Linda Smith, policy-makers are beginning to wake up to the reality of modern-day slavery around the world.

The Honorable Linda Smith and Mark Blackwell will both speak about human trafficking at the FRC webcast lecture event.

Smith is founder and president of Shared Hope International. Smith is a leader in the global movement to end sex trafficking. In 1998, while serving in the U.S. Congress, she traveled to a notorious brothel district in India where the hopeless faces of women and children forced into prostitution compelled her to found Shared Hope International. Smith is the primary author of "From Congress to the Brothel" and "Renting Lacy" and co-author of "The National Report on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking" and the "DEMAND." report. Smith served as a Washington State legislator (1983-93), before she was elected to the U.S. Congress in 1994.

Blackwell is founder and president of Justice Ministries. Justice Ministries is a non-profit dedicated to combating human trafficking, with a focus on rescuing victims of human trafficking, providing secure shelter space for victims and getting them the care they need to get back to full health and back on their feet.

A light luncheon will be served for in-person attendees.

WHO:

Hon. Linda Smith, founder and president of shared Hope International

Mark Blackwell, founder and president of Justice Ministries

WHAT : Family Policy Lecture Webcast: "Human Trafficking: Modern Slavery"

WHEN: 12 p.m. Eastern on Wednesday, January 9

WHERE: In Person: Family Research Council Media Center, 801 G Street, NW, Washington, DC 20001;

Online: http://www.frc.org/eventregistration/human-trafficking-modern-slavery