Moderated by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., the discussion included victim advocates, law students, attorneys, hotel officials, School of Law Dean Jennifer Brown and survivor Theresa Leonard.

“For anybody who thinks, well, it’s just happening abroad, it’s right here,” Blumenthal said. “It’s becoming more and more prevalent. … It is among the most pernicious and insidious of criminal actions.”

Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Brian Shipley JD ’98 agreed.

He said sex trafficking is an issue all across Connecticut, not just in the state’s big cities.

Monday’s summit marked the third time in recent months Quinnipiac has taken a leadership role in the fight against sex trafficking and human trafficking.

In April, the School of Law trained hotel workers and others how to recognize signs of human trafficking. In July, Sheila Hayre, a visiting associate professor in the School of Law, brought together state, local and grassroots constituencies to discuss strategies to thwart sex trafficking.

School of Law training combats human trafficking