Conference to analyze sex trafficking laws

Wayne State University Law School will convene a slate of experts Friday, April 12 for “(S)exploiting the Vulnerable: Empowering Future Legal Advocates to Combat Sex Trafficking,” in an effort to analyze the legal process surrounding such crimes and centralize the point of view of survivors.

Angela Povilaitis, of the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, will deliver opening remarks. Following Povilaitis, Wayne Law Assistant Professor Blanche Cook will present “The Insatiable Appetite for Sexually Exploiting Vulnerability.”

Providing the welcome will be Wayne Law Dean Richard A. Bierschbach and Governor Kim Trent, chair of the Wayne State University Board of Governors.

The conference will include the following panels:

• Insight and Perspective from a Survivor
• Sex Trafficking in Social Policy and Legislation
• Meeting Needs and Overcoming Barriers: Legal Advocacy for Sex Trafficking Victims
• A Closer Look Inside the Federal Cases
• Investigation and Adjudication at the State Level
• A Multi-Faceted Dialogue on Sex Trafficking

The event, which is free and open to the public, will be at the Law School, 471 W. Palmer St., in the Spencer M. Partrich Auditorium from 9 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. Registration and complete conference details are available at rsvp.wayne.edu/law-0419. Parking is $8 (credit and debit cards only) across West Palmer Street from the Law School. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided. Avalon International Breads, Starbucks and LaPita Fresh have donated refreshments.

For additional information, contact Taylor Hilton, gk6140@wayne.edu.