Please join us on Thursday, August 20, 2026, from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM for “Hidden in Plain Sight: Sexual Exploitation and Trafficking in Rural Areas.” You can register for this free event here.

This virtual presentation will focus on this complex issue, examining the following conditions that contribute to exploitation and trafficking:

• Prevalence of trauma
• Environmental and societal factors
• Meeting basic survival needs

Available local resources will also be discussed to address these complex circumstances.

Featured speakers include:

• Jen Brzezinski, Asst. Supt., Community Programs, FCSO
• Karen Carmona, Program Associate, Opioid Task Force
• Becky Lockwood, Program Director, The Salasin Project
• Jessica Loebel, CSEC Coordinator, Children’s Advocacy Center for Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region

This is part of the 2026 Opioid Task Force Education & Training Series.

This presentation is organized by the Franklin County/North Quabbin Sexual Exploitation & Trafficking Prevention Workgroup: A project of the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and the Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region. For more information on joining or about this session, please email info@opioidtaskforce.org.