An Oct. 6 program at the James C. Kennedy Wellness Center in Charleston will seek to raise local awareness of the grooming, human trafficking and abuse of youth in Mississippi.
The Children's Advocacy Project defines "grooming," in this sense, as "the deliberate, calculated process of building trust, an emotional connection, and a relationship with a child, teen, or their support network to manipulate, control, and sexually exploit or abuse them."
While the concept may seem big-city foreign, the reality is that the Magnolia State is not immune to this and other forms of child abuse.
“The incidences in Mississippi and case reviews will be astounding to most attendees,” said Charlotte Englund of ProYouth Initiative Inc., a Flowood-based nonprofit spearheading the event. “But know that together we can make a very positive difference!”
Englund said educational and preventive resources will be presented by Special Agent Molly Blythe of the FBI’s Jackson Division, as well as by other key speakers.
“We want to build awareness and avert these incidences,” noted Englund, who explained that the upcoming event will set the stage for future related efforts in Tallahatchie County.
She said any parent, grandparent, clergyman, teacher, coach or interested citizen is invited to attend, but stressed that registration is required because seating is limited to 40 people for this initial gathering.
To register for the Oct. 6 Charleston event, scheduled to be held from 4-6 p.m., send an email to charlotte@proyouthinitiative.org and include your name, email address and telephone number. Registration and seating will be confirmed.
