West Virginia University at Parkersburg’s Social Justice Committee will host Dr. Patrick Kerr on Thursday, Sept. 6 at 6:30 p.m. for an informative presentation, “Understanding Human Trafficking in West Virginia: A Statewide Perspective on a Worldwide Problem.” The presentation will be given in the college theater and will also be streamed live to the Jackson County Center. It is free and open to the public.

Human trafficking is slavery that is perpetrated in the modern era and encompasses both labor trafficking and sex trafficking.  Kerr will provide information on how to identify and respond to potential victims of human trafficking. He will also discuss and dispel common myths about human trafficking and examine current anti-trafficking initiatives in West Virginia.

“Human trafficking is a growing problem in West Virginia and throughout the country,” said Debbie Richards, special assistant to the president for policy and social justice, West Virginia University at Parkersburg. “We hope this presentation will help to increase public awareness and prevention around this serious issue that is affecting so many vulnerable populations in our state.”

Kerr is a licensed clinical psychologist and an associate professor in the Department of Behavioral Medicine and Psychiatry at West Virginia University School of Medicine – Charleston. In addition to serving as a member of the West Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force, Kerr has published multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed publications on human trafficking.

For more information about this event, contact Debbie Richards at drichards@wvup.edu or 304.424.8201.