“Ending the Criminalization of Trauma” -Palm Beach County NOW

We think it is crucial for the public to understand the legal and actual situation women suffer when incarceration is the only option imposed on them. Despite their history of abuse and their basic needs for dignity, treatment, and guidance they find themselves on a pipeline to imprisonment. We also know that trauma affects youngsters and can render them vulnerable and at risk. Women and girls are affected by sexual violence at an alarmingly high rate in the U.S. Until very recently men in power have not been held accountable for their actions while millions are forced to suffer in silence as this violence has been ignored on a cultural and institutional level. It remains to be seen how extensive the #MeToo and #EnoughIsEnough momentum will be to reach across the class, race, gender, and economic divides.

We have assembled an extraordinary panel to speak to the legal and social dimensions of this topic. PBC Public Defender Carey Haughwout, Broward County Assistant Public Defender Gabe Ermine, Florida Assistant Statewide Prosecutor Danielle Dudai (who focuses on sex trafficking cases), West Palm Beach Mental Health Community Outreach Director Pam Frazier, Children Services Council Program Specialist Debbie Manigat, and lifelong activist and feminist for human and civil rights Les Rivkin.