Panel To Discuss How To Keep Minors Safe From Online Predators

WHITE PLAINS, NY — Human trafficking victim advocates, law enforcement and prosecutors will hold a virtual webinar to discuss keeping minors safe from online predators and sex traffickers.

The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office is joining My Sisters’ Place and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York to host a virtual panel at 6 p.m. Tuesday.

The topic of the hour-long panel will be the dangers of online predators and sex traffickers who target and groom minors.

It will be open to the public and feature state and federal prosecutors, human trafficking victim advocates and law enforcement who will speak on common warning signs, intervention and safety and prevention strategies for parents.

Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said that every day young people are facing dangers through their use of the internet and social media platforms.

“Though not new, these online threats of sex trafficking and sextortion are rampant and pervasive,” she said. “Partnering with advocates and law enforcement, we are doing our part to educate and empower parents to help protect their families.”

Featured panelists, besides Rocah, include Cristina Tanzola, director of the human trafficking program for My Sisters’ Place; Marcia Cohen, senior trial counsel and Project Safe Childhood coordinator for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and David Ryan, retired chief of the Pound Ridge Police Department.

There will be live Spanish interpretation for the webinar, organizers said.

The public can register for the panel through this link.