#WearBlueDay ~ January 11, 2025

The Blue Campaign (located within the Department of Homeland Security Center for Countering Human Trafficking) is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases. 

According to Detective Sgt. Rick Hershey, who supervises the New Jersey State Police Human Trafficking Unit in South Jersey, human trafficking has growing quite rapidly in the state of New Jersey. In 2023, 170 human trafficking cases were identified in New Jersey, up from 137 cases in 2022 and the largest since 2019 (247 identified cases).

To support the Blue Campaign this January 11th, take photos of yourselves, friends, family, and colleagues wearing BLUE clothing and share on social media with the #WearBlueDay hashtag. 

Click HERE to learn more about human trafficking and to find additional resources.

Volunteer Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate Training

Update on Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kit Testing!

We are happy to share yet another amendment to Attorney General Directive 2023-1, v2.0. The amended Directive now mandates that all Sexual Assault Forensic Exam (SAFE) Kits released to law enforcement be tested, regardless of the outcome of the case.

This is GREAT...but what does this mean?

Previously, a SAFE kit would not be tested unless there was a formal complaint signed by the County Prosecutor. With this new amendment, when a survivor decides to have a Forensic Exam and report the assault to law enforcement, their kit will automatically be tested whether or not a complaint is signed by the Prosecutor. By testing all kits of reported assaults, law enforcement are better able to investigate and identify serial offenders.

For more details, click HERE to view the amended Directive.

Daytime Training Possibility!

The Union County Rape Crisis Center is always looking for dedicated individuals who are interested in helping survivors of sexual violence.

Typically, we host our volunteer Confidential Sexual Violence Advocate (CSVA) training two nights a week.  We though, are exploring the possibility of hosting a daytime series in the fall. To preface, this is not a definite change, just something that we are exploring.  Although not yet solidified, this arrangement would likely entail assembling twice a week for a few hours each gathering.

If you are interested in this potential daytime training series, please complete our “Volunteer Interest Form” and a staff member will get back to you within 2 business days.