Human trafficking is real. It is local. And far too often, it goes unseen.

On Monday, January 26, District 3 Commissioner Jasper Watkins III will host a Human Trafficking Awareness Town Hall from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Gwinnett Justice and Administration Center Auditorium, located at 75 Langley Drive in Lawrenceville.

The event, titled Trapped and Trafficked, is free and open to the public and is designed to raise awareness, elevate survivor voices, and connect the community with resources that help prevent exploitation and support survivors.

The evening will feature a moderated panel discussion with survivors, law enforcement officials, justice system leaders, mental health professionals, and community advocates, followed by an opportunity for attendees to connect directly with local organizations offering prevention and survivor support services.

Panelists Bringing Lived Experience and Professional Expertise

The town hall will feature voices from across the human trafficking response continuum, including:

• Lanie George, Survivor
• Major Jordan Griffin, Gwinnett Police Special Investigations
• Sgt. Jon Dougherty, Gwinnett Police Vice Unit
• Candice Pittman, Special Projects Director, Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office
• Solicitor-General Lisamarie Bristol
• District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson
• Pat McDonough, attorney
• Marina Peed, Mosaic Georgia
• TaKesha Wideman-Smith, LCSW, PHC Consult
• Lisa White, LCSW, View Point Health
• Tami Wilder, Safe Place
• Angela Ulibarri, Georgia Festival of the Trees

Resource Fair

Following the discussion, attendees will be able to connect with organizations providing critical services and support, including:

• Because One Matters
• GUIDE
• Gwinnett Coalition
• Gwinnett County Fire and Emergency Services
• Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Office Mental Health Task Force
• Sandra’s Giving Heart
• Single Parent Alliance & Resource Center (SPARC)
• Street Grace
• View Point Health