On October 18, 2013, over 100 stakeholders, community leaders, first responders and service providers attended the fourth domestic violence leadership summit co-sponsored by the Zonta Club of Grants Pass. With a regular presence on the Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSV) Council, Zonta participates in decision making at the monthly meetings of the Council.

Among their partners are law enforcement, community corrections, violence advocates, family nurse practitioner, Soroptimists, ACT of Southern Oregon, court mediators and others. The Zonta Says No banner greeted people as the registered. The topic this year was Human Trafficking (HT). The primary presenter was one of the three survivors of recent local trafficking, Rebecca Bender, whose book “Road to Redemption,” was written for survivors on the road to recovery. Audience members were enthralled with the first hand testimony as well as Rebecca’s authenticity as she taught Human Trafficking 101.

A review of recent changes in state law highlighted the Oregon news that finally, child trafficking is a felony for the trafficker and law enforcement must receive HT training annually. Additional information helped audience members find ways to move from bystander to advocate.