"Meena", a new movie by Lucy Liu

“Meena” a film which tells the story of a girl who was kidnapped and held in a brothel for 12 years was released on 06.26.14. 

Lucy Liu had previously produced two films on human trafficking and couldn’t say “no” when she  was approached to do this film which tells the story of Meena Hasina who was 8 years old when she was kidnapped and sold to a brothel by her uncle. 

Meena was raped, beaten, and held captive in the brothel where she gave birth to a daughter. She eventually escaped and returned to rescue her daughter. The nonprofit group Apne Aap provided help and support to the recovery effort for Meena and the rescue of her daughter.

Liu emphasizes the urgent need to implement policies and enforce laws to protect children and to create a safe environment for those who have been hurt so that they can receive the help and healing which they need following their rescue. 

 

Watch for showing of this film and then watch this film so as to become even more informed and motivated to join the fight to end human trafficking.

Richard Lazere, on behalf of East Portland Rotary-End Human Trafficking

The War Against Sex Crimes: New York Times News Service-04.22.14

Lawmakers seem to be getting more serious about the fight against sex crimes.

Senator Orrin G. Hatch, R. Utah is fostering a bill that targets sex trafficking in the foster care system. Hatch noted that he was inspired to draft legislation after hearing the testimony of a victim at a recent Senate hearing in which it was revealed that 60 percent of child sex-trafficking victims came from the foster care system.

Additionally the fight against sexual crimes seems to be viewed as a winnable battle. Recently Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D. NY asked the White House to direct the Education Department to streamline the handling of sexual assault complaints in the military and to require all colleges to conduct standardized anonymous surveys on campus assaults.

There is a mounting tide of outrage at the sexual abuse and exploitation of girls and women and resolve to take action to stem this tide.

Richard Lazere, on behalf of East Portland Rotary

Second Chances for Sex Trafficking Victims

Elizabeth Hovde, Sunday columnist for the Oregonian, recently authored the above titled column about the need for more enlightened perspective re H.T. victims who have retaliated against their pimps. She cites the case of Sara Kruzan from California who shot and killed her pimp after several years of sexual slavery. She soon will be free, finally at age 35 to reclaim her life outside of prison walls. Hovde also discusses the case of Portland resident “Annette” who set her pimp on fire. She served time for this act and has gone on to be a contributing member of society. 

Hovde makes the case that our justice system needs to carefully consider its priorities and emphasize rehabilitation and a second chance for those who retaliated against their captors. She makes the case that we need to support those women who work to redeem themselves as Kruzan and “Annette” have. We need to give such cases a second look and decriminalize them. She closes the article by stating “ Let’s make sure we have their backs”

Richard Lazere, Ph.D. on behalf of East Portland Rotary Human Trafficking Committee