TJP in Missouri
The Joseph Project joined the Missouri Attorney General's Office for a joint press conference highlighting its expansion of anti-trafficking pro bono efforts in the greater Kansas City area.
Representatives from TJP's key local partners, including Morefield Speicher Bachman, LC (MSB Law) and Relentless Pursuit Outreach & Recovery (RPOR), also attended the event.
Missouri Deputy Attorney General Clifton Davis affirmed his office’s commitment to confront human trafficking across the state.
“I’m very excited to see the commitment Kansas City is making to support The Joseph Project. This is a very important project to show survivors of human trafficking that we care, and we are here to help them overcome their trauma and be active, productive members of our communities. ”
Remarking on TJP's mission, Board Member Abigail Wasil discussed the legal obstacles that survivors often face.
“Imagine with me: You’re a survivor of human trafficking, and you’re finally free from your physical confinement. However, due to a criminal record, immigration challenge, or debt burden, you can’t enter some workforce, apply for a certain license, attend a certain school, or engage in your community. And suddenly, from being a victim, you feel more like a criminal, and the same legal system that promoted equal justice under law now feels like it’s working against you.”
MSB Law's Andrew Speicher, a TJP Legal First Responder who was instrumental in organizing the event, affirmed the importance of collaboration and the need for attorneys to volunteer to help survivors resolve their legal issues.
“My message to all of my fellow attorneys, both here in the Kansas City metro area and across all of Missouri, is: We need you. We need you to use your skills and privileges as a practicing attorney to promote the general welfare of survivors of human trafficking.”
TJP thanks the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for its commitment to survivor empowerment and looks forward to strengthening its Missouri-based partnerships to further expand survivor access to justice in Kansas City and other jurisdictions within the state.
