AUSTIN--The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) the Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) are co-sponsoring “Human Trafficking: A Reality for Texas,” the first statewide conference for advocates, law enforcement officials and others working to address human trafficking in Texas on May 19-20 at the Austin Airport Hilton. The two-day conference features presentations by members of the Texas Anti-Trafficking Coalition Workgroup, discussing the tools available to assist victims of human trafficking.

The keynote speaker on May 19 is Given Kachepa, an 18-year-old survivor of human trafficking from the African country of Zambia. Given was brought to the United States believing he would sing as a part of an acapella choir, raising money to build schools in his Zambian community and generating income for his family at home. These promises were all broken, and in 2000, Given was rescued by INS. He will graduate high school in the Dallas-area this month and has plans to attend college in the fall. Given has been a vocal advocate of increasing services available for the victims of human trafficking and helped pass HB 869, making trafficking a punishable offense in the state of Texas.

Trafficking is a crime that has come to the forefront due to concerns over U.S. border security after the terror attacks in 2001. “Victims of human trafficking frequently find themselves falling victim to domestic violence or sexual assault,” said Annette Burrhus-Clay, TAASA Executive Director. “Educating the social service providers and law enforcement officials about the legal options available to survivors of human trafficking is the first step to turning a victim’s life around.” President Bush has made several statements expressing his desire to combat trafficking in persons across U.S. borders and internationally. In April, Senator John Cornyn of Texas introduced the End Demand for Sex Trafficking Act of 2005, which, if passed, will ensure harsher punishments for sex traffickers, purchasers and exploiters of trafficked individuals.

Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA)
The Texas Association Against Sexual Assault (TAASA) is the statewide organization committed to ending sexual violence in Texas. A non-profit educational and advocacy organization based in Austin, TAASA member agencies comprise a statewide network of 80 crisis centers that serve rural as well as metropolitan areas. Founded in 1982, the agency has a strong record of success in community education, legal services, youth outreach, law enforcement training, legislative advocacy, and curricula and materials development. Additional information can be found at www.taasa.org.

Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV)
The Texas Council on Family Violence (TCFV) operates the National Domestic Violence Hotline. TCFV works to end partner violence through partnerships, advocacy and direct services for women,children and men. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (NDVH) has helped over one million callers from across the nation. All calls to NDVH are anonymous.