Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office
Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. and the Rev. Dr. Que English
By Forum Staff
State Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach) recently pledged to support a local organization as it strives toward its goal of reaching 1,000,000 people through education and awareness of human trafficking and domestic violence by 2020.
Addabbo has collaborated with the Rev. Dr. Que English and her group, Not On My Watch! Safe Haven Network International, to help shed light on the issues of human trafficking and domestic violence, which are so prevalent in parts of Queens.
“Human trafficking is a major issue that affects men, women, and children across the United States, and even right here in New York,” Addabbo said. “One of the best ways we can combat this terrible trade of human beings for forced labor and sexual acts is by raising awareness and educating people about human trafficking and domestic violence, how to notice the indicators of these activities to help identify potential victims, and where to report such instances. It is my pleasure to work with Rev. Dr. English and her organization to help bring an end to this despicable practice.”
Not On My Watch! is a borough organization that combats human trafficking and domestic violence through secular means; while the Safe Haven Network is the faith-based component of Not On My Watch Inc. The organizations combine to create an action network comprised of faith leaders, human trafficking and domestic violence survivors, service providers, and government agencies.
English said she founded Not On My Watch! to raise awareness and train people in the faith-based community, concerned citizens, and civic organizations, as well as officials from all levels of government, through national conferences and other events.
“I was so grateful to be able to forge a partnership with Sen. Addabbo and look forward to our work together in his community to combat human trafficking,” English added.
For more information on the group, visit shnintl.org.
