National Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Hartford — National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11.

During the last legislative session, I co-sponsored a bill to establish the crime of harmful communication with a minor. The proposal, H.B. 5468, to strengthen the protections for children when they are surfing websites and using online applications was approved unanimously by the House. Time ran out during the short legislative session with the bill still on the Senate calendar, but I will be proposing this measure again, seeking bipartisan support to protect Connecticut’s children, and hope to get it across the finish line this year.

January is also National Stalking Awareness Month.

Stalking is a prevalent victimization across the United States with growing numbers rivaling those of intimate partner and sexual violence. It is its own form of violence, with its own risks, support and safety planning needs, and legal responses.

If you believe that you are a victim of stalking, it is most likely best to preserve all communications / evidence of the stalking and contact your local police directly as it is possible for a knowledgeable stalker to intercept or remotely monitor some electronic communications.

More information and resources can be found at: www.stalkingawareness.org/stalking-awareness-month-2023/