North Allegheny event focuses on trafficking, exploitation

Recognizing the signs of human trafficking and learning how to talk about the reality of it with youth were part of a recent discussion at a Community Connections seminar hosted by North Allegheny School District.

“Sex trafficking and exploitation can impact individuals from all walks of life, regardless of their age, gender and socioeconomic background, physical location, (whether) urban, suburban, rural,” said Michele Margittai, development director for Refuge for Women Emergency Housing in Pittsburgh. “Vulnerabilities that criminals can use to manipulate individuals still exist in these areas.”

Margittai was one of the presenters of “Our Kids at Risk: Human Trafficking and Exploitation in the Pittsburgh Region,” held at Marshall Middle School on Feb. 26. The event was for teens 14 and older, along with their families.

“First, people who live in relatively safe neighborhoods often have a perception that their community is immune to serious crimes like sex exploitation and trafficking. However, using the internet, criminals can target individuals from any location, and victims can come from diverse backgrounds,” she said.

Felicia Trovato, a community outreach specialist of the FBI’s Pittsburgh office, also presented.

Human trafficking refers to both sex trafficking and labor trafficking, said Margittai. Some of the discussion centered on how to recognize signs of those and ways to protect children.

The difference between sex trafficking and sex exploitation also was discussed.

Sex trafficking is vastly underreported in the United States and globally. Some organizations, like the Safe House Project, estimate that only 1% of cases are reported, Margattai said.

She provided examples of a few places with reported cases in Western Pennsylvania over the past five or so years, including Ross , Moon and an “egregious” case from 2022 in Pittsburgh’s Polish Hill.

Parents and guardians should know about sex trafficking and exploitation and how to discuss such subjects with their children, Margittai said.

“By talking with your children, you are empowering them to speak up if they are approached, in a dangerous situation, or if they suspect someone they know is being exploited. Also, with knowledge, children can make safer choices online and in their interactions with others,” she said.

By creating trust, parents can make it easier for the child to seek help and support. Awareness of the topic enables parents to help protect their children and empower them to be safe, according to Margittai.

“Community Connections is a forum in which the North Alle­gheny School District offers parents, staff and community members an opportunity to learn and discuss various topics related to student achievement, safety and/or wellness,” Jeff Longo, student assistance program coordinator at the high school, said.

Longo said a parent who attended the event appreciated “learning the terminology to look for through social media and technology (and) opening the door for communication and knowing that kids know more than they let on.”

NA Community Connections discussions typically occur several times a school year, Longo said. Previous topics this year included Dangers of Vaping in December and Online Safety and Awareness in September.

The next Community Connections will be April 15 at Ingomar Middle School The topic will be Gun Safety, organized by E. Harpster, chief of school police. More information will soon be available through www.northallegheny.org .