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This week, my office held a webinar on Human Trafficking Awareness.
While trafficking is a very real issue on a global scale, it is also unfortunately happening right here in our backyards. Several experts from this office, as well as partner service providers, spoke about available resources for victims of sex and labor trafficking in Queens County.
Far too often, people who are victims of human trafficking feel they are alone and helpless, but we are here to help. Below are the names and contact information for organizations that provide empowerment, mentorship, educational and prevention services to help victims of exploitation exit their dangerous situations and reclaim their lives.
If you missed the live stream of our webinar, you may still watch it in full on our Facebook page.
As always, if you or someone you know has been a victim or would like to report suspicious activity, you may contact our Human Trafficking Bureau by calling 718-286-6548 or emailing humantrafficking@queensda.org.
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In Friendship,
Melinda Katz
Queens District Attorney
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The New York Times recently provided me with the opportunity to discuss my first year in office and the ways in which we are ushering in a new era for the criminal justice system in Queens County. The creation of the first Conviction Integrity Unit in the borough, which I established on the first day of my administration, was at the forefront of this conversation.
Every wrongful conviction not only destroys the life of the individual wrongly convicted and their family, but also further undermines everyone’s faith in our criminal justice system. This Unit is a crucial aspect of our efforts to reform and refine prosecution in Queens.
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Abolishing Capital Punishment |
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I was proud to join nearly 100 criminal justice leaders across the nation in urging the Biden administration to definitively abolish the death penalty in the United States.
The signed statement, which was spearheaded by the Fair and Just Prosecution organization, lays out the many factors that have contributed to the detriment of this country's capital punishment system:
"Many have tried for over forty years to make America’s death penalty system just. Yet the reality is that our nation’s use of this sanction cannot be repaired, and it should be ended. The death penalty raises serious concerns in tension with the constitutional ban against cruel and unusual punishment and the guarantees of due process and equal protection under the law.
It is unequally and arbitrarily applied, ineffective at improving public safety, and a waste of taxpayer resources; and its use presents the perilous risk of executing an innocent person."
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Four years ago today, Efrain Vargas was found killed inside his apartment in Woodhaven, Queens. His mother continues to search for answers.
As part of our weekly call for help, I am asking for any information regarding his death. Help us bring his killer(s) to justice by contacting NYPD Crimestoppers with any information - no matter how insignificant the details may seem.
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Remembering Holocaust Victims |
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This past Wednesday marked the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, which commemorated the 76th anniversary since the liberation of Auschwitz concentration camp from the Nazi regime.
In honor of this day, The Harriet and Kenneth Kupferberg Holocaust Center hosted an important discussion on anti-Semitism which sadly persists in our nation and abroad. I attended the event to speak about our dedicated Hate Crimes Bureau, which is one of the first in the nation committed exclusively to preventing, investigating and prosecuting hate crimes. If you need help, contact the Bureau via 718-286-7010.
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Speaking to Gun Violence Survivors |
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Gun violence wreaks havoc on our communities and leaves a devastating impact on the victims, survivors, and their loved ones.
Thankfully, Queens is home to wonderful organizations aimed at helping survivors deal with the trauma and heal.
I had the privilege of speaking at the general meeting of one of those organizations earlier this week, Where Do We Go From Here Inc. I thank the CEO, Ms. Carolyn Dixon, for the vital work she does for the community.
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Reaching Out to the Filipino Community |
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As we continue to deal with the ongoing pandemic, we also celebrate the organizations helping us stay safe and protected during these difficult times.
The National Alliance of Filipino Concerns (NAFCON) has partnered with Legal Good, Kinding Sindaw, Monarch Medical Aesthetics, and Foundation for Filipino Artists to announce the “Swab and Save Lives: Free COVID-19 Testing and PPE Distribution” event taking place tomorrow, January 30th at the Monarch Clinic in Woodside. For information or to register, please call 917-633-7710 or email registerforcovid@gmail.com.
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Although COVID-19 infection rates continue to climb around the globe, the CDC announced this week that schools could reopen safely if people continue to wear masks and practice social distancing.
In addition, Governor Cuomo is expected to ease some of the restrictions on indoor dining in New York City imminently. The City is also expected to receive additional vaccine doses as the federal government tries to address vaccine shortages around the country. To check your eligibility or to find a vaccination site near you, please visit the NYC Health website.
In the meantime, please continue to wear your face covering, practice social distancing, and avoid large gatherings.
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