Rebecca Bender, Survivor of Human Trafficking, Coming on Dec. 6

Jefferson Community College (JCC) and the Victims Assistance Center will co-host a presentation by author and survivor of human trafficking, Rebecca Bender, on Tuesday, December 6, 2022 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. in the College's Sturtz Theater. The event is open to the public.

Bender endured a life of human trafficking for six years before escaping in 2004. Determined to make a better future for herself and her daughter, she went to college and earned a master’s degree. In 2014, Bender launched Elevate Academy, an online school for survivors of human trafficking. Today, Elevate Academy is touted as the largest online school serving trafficking survivors in the U.S. and 16 countries around the world. A sought-after expert on human trafficking, Bender assists the FBI, Homeland Security, law enforcement, community leaders, medical professionals and others. She is regularly called upon to testify as an expert witness in investigations. Her personal story is published in her book titled In Pursuit of Love. She is also the author of Exodus: Stop Walking In Circles.

In addition to sharing her story at Jefferson, Bender will educate the audience on how to identify and fight human trafficking. Joining Bender will be Katie Rushlo-Mercado, Youth Empowerment Specialist, NYS Office of Children and Family Services. 

Register to attend online. For more information, call the JCC Student Activities and Inclusion Office at 315-786-2431.

This event is sponsored by Jefferson Community College, Victims Assistance Center of Jefferson County and Jefferson and Lewis County Safe Harbour Programs.