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Human trafficking, an issue that is in fact present in Western New York, will be addressed during a training program and panel discussion on Monday, March 30 as part of SUNY Fredonia’s observance of Women’s History Month.

Led by Amy Fleischauer, director of Victim and Preventive Services at the International Institute of Buffalo, the training program will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Horizon Room of the Williams Center student union on the SUNY Fredonia campus. The panel presentation will follow at 6 p.m. in Room 105 of Fenton Hall. Both events are free and open to the public.

Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis

Fleischauer will also be a part of the panel presentation with a talk entitled, “Human Trafficking in Western New York: Is it Happening Here?” A second talk will follow from Dr. Thema Bryant-Davis, a professor of psychology at Pepperdine University, entitled, “The Violation of Women's Rights: A Call for Interdisciplinary Response to Violence against Women.”

“This panel presentation will give members of the community a unique opportunity to learn about Human Trafficking as it affects women’s lives around the world and right here in Western New York,” says Ingrid Johnston-Robledo, associate professor of Psychology and director of Women’s Studies at SUNY Fredonia. “I think the regional perspective will be especially eye-opening, as many people don’t realize that this kind of human rights violation occurs in our own communities.”

The training is an excellent opportunity for government and social service employees, medical personnel, educational staff, religious and cultural groups, legal service providers and victim advocates to better understand and recognize the signs of potential human trafficking. In addition, victim needs and possible collaboration tactics for area agencies to help eliminate these occurrences and identify offenders will be addressed. To attend, please contact the International Institute of Buffalo at 716-883-1900, ext. 326 or send an email to tassistant1@iibuff.org by March 16.

Amy Fleischauer has led the International Institute of Buffalo in aiding nearly 75 potential victims of human trafficking. She also serves as an adjunct professor at Canisius College for the Department of Special Education, a member of the Field Advisory Board for University at Buffalo’s School of Social Work, and an active member of the Western District’s Human Trafficking Task Force. She has presented at numerous regional, state and national conferences, including the 2008 National Coalition Against Domestic Violence Conference and the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence Conference.

Dr. Bryant-Davis, in addition to being a professor, is a poet, psychologist, dancer, motivational speaker, minister and life empowerment coach. Named Emerging Artist of the Year by the North Carolina Arts Council, she has had her art featured on BET, PBS and C-SPAN along with the Boston Globe and ESSENCE magazine. She is the critically-acclaimed author of the book, “Thriving in the wake of trauma: A multicultural guide, Mangos and Manna and The Birthing of a Lioness.” She has also recorded her own CD entitles, “Sky: An upbeat black girl’s song.” To learn more about Dr. Bryant-Davis, visit .