Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Child Sexual Exploitation
From 20 to 22 November, 2024 | Rollins College – Rice Family Pavilion
From 20 to 22 November, 2024
Rollins College – Rice Family Pavilion
The Congress, organized by the Hope & Justice Foundation, will be a historic milestone for the State of Florida and the American nation. With the proposed bill to include psychological and property violence in Florida’s domestic violence law, the legal system will be on a par with the most advanced legislation in the world, such as Brazil’s “Maria da Penha” law. The laws of a democratic and modern country must keep pace with advances in the humanities and social sciences in order to effectively serve justice by granting the rights expected.
The 1st International Congress on Prevention and Combat of Human Trafficking, Domestic Violence, and Child Sexual Abuse is scheduled for November 20th, 21st, and 22nd in Orlando. This event will bring together some of the most important and respected figures from legal, medical, social, and political sciences for an extraordinary scientific debate on the harmful effects of psychological and economic domestic violence on the victim’s mental, physical, and economic health, as well as the negative impact on public health, economy, security, and education.
Lawyer, Founder and CEO Hope & Justice Foundation, Activist and Defender of human rights, Creator of the Congress Human X
Damares is a Brazilian senator, lawyer and evangelical pastor. She was Minister of Women, Family and Human Rights during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro from 2019 to 2022.
Professor, Executive Director, UCF Center for the Study of Human Trafficking; Program Director, Rosen Professional Internships at University of Central Florida / Associate Lecturer, Tourism & Events
Architect, founder of THOL Arquitetura, a Minas Gerais office that breathes creativity and passion for projects that inspire. THOL stands out for combining design and functionality, transforming dreams into realities. Read more
Pastor president of Missão Global Prova Viva, theologian, Psychoanalyst, postgraduate in Psychology and Psychoanalysis, Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy and master's student in clinical counseling from Florida Christian University - Orlando /FL
Businesswoman, activist, pedagogue, and teacher
Actress, ambassador for the Hope & Justice Foundation and human rights activist focus on domestic violence
B.A. Psychology; B.A. Bible; Minor in Missions Founder/President of United Abolitionists, Inc. & building the Abolitionist Training & Learning Center
Attorney at Law of Immigration and Refugee Affairs
Professor with expertise on Human Rights
Psychologist and Mental Health Counsel. Outreach Adult Advocate Supervisor at Women In Distress of Broward County
Life Coach, Journalist & Author of “How to Empower Your Kids.” Speaker, Cidade Delas Miami YT
Crofoot is a Licensed Christian Clinical Counselor that holds BA, Master, and PhD in Psychology /Counselor from Florida Christian University, ... Read more
Survivor of child sexual violence, founder of MILA — Instituto Movimento Infância Livre de Abusos, writer and author of the book O ESCURO ME ABRAÇA... Read more
Diego is the CEO and founder of Nudge Education, a UK based Education Intervention Service. Nudge Education successfully transitioned over 6,000 highly vulnerable young people back into education... Read more
Bachelor of Law and specialist in Domestic Violence. President of the Municipal Council for Women's Rights. Founder and CEO of “Instituto Maria na Comunidade”. Involved in the fight against domestic violence and the search for gender equity.
Ambassador João Lucas Quental Novaes de Almeida was the director of the Department of Human Rights and Social Policy... Read more
Lawyer specialized in crimes committed in families, former undersecretary for combating violence against women in the Federal District... Read more
Clinical and Community Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Biblical Studies. Specialist in... Read more
For over 20 years in the USA, with 15 years of experience in the health insurance and life insurance sector.Veronica is a certified agent by the...Read more
Cintia Meirelles de Azevedo is Brazil Director at The Exodus Road—an NGO—and founder of the Traffickwatch Brazil Academy... Read more
Prosecutor of the Public Ministry of the State of Espírito Santo for 18 years, having worked as Sub-coordinator of the ‘Center for Combating Gender Violence in Defense of Women's Rights’...
Read more
Patricia Saldanha Marinho de Almeida is the mother of 3 women, one of whom is disabled. She is a retired federal civil servant, journalist (PUC/Rio), master in Disability...
Read more
Graduated in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in the area of Pastoral Counseling and Therapy for Families, Couples, and Individuals. Founder of the Bridge to Life Foundation, a project that offers... Read more
Senior Engagement Manager, DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking Homeland Security Investigations U.S. Department of Homeland Security Ms. Erica Reid is a Senior Engagement... Read more
Master's in Law from the Faculty of Law at the Classical University of Lisbon, postgraduate in Legal Sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco/Esmape and in Civil Procedural Law... Read more
Born in Recife/PE. Philosopher and Master in Political Science from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). University professor for 26 years, in Law and other areas of Human Sciences... Read more
is the co-founder of SAFE (Strategic Alliance to Fight Exploitation) in Central Florida, an alliance of non-profits, law enforcement and community partners that have joined together to fight human trafficking in Central Florida... Read more
Irma has volunteered at First Life Center for Pregnancy since 2014, and she will now lead all ministry programming at the center while advancing First Orlando’s child advocacy ministry... Read more
Vanessa Lapolli Medeiros is an Italian-Brazilian from Santa Catarina who has been living in Milan, Italy, for 21 years. A journalist, mother, entrepreneur, and, since 2019, an activist for women's rights, ... Read more
Maria da Penha is a renowned activist and advocate for women's rights, whose name is forever associated with the law aimed at combating domestic and family violence in Brazil. After enduring a painful experience of violence... Read more
Conference created to discuss advances in legislation against psychological and property violence in the context of domestic violence in Florida
It will bring together renowned experts from the legal, medical, social sciences and political fields
Date: November 20th to 22th, 2024
Time: 9am to 5 pm
Location: Rollins College
Time:Rice Family Pavilion
Capacity: 240 people per day
Promotes debates
From psychology, law, criminology, social work and health.
Present Date
And real cases to support legislative proposals and effective actions.
Bring experts together
And frontline professionals fighting these crimes.
Build proposals
For integrated action by authorities, legal/criminal system and civil society.
Develop Guidelines
For specialized training of public security, legal and health professionals.
*About Amethyst (Special Ticket):
At Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steak House Restaurant
Membership dinner: 21/November, 6pm
Unique opportunity for brands to position themselves alongside a cause of extreme social relevance and humanitarian impact.
By sponsoring, you demonstrate your commitment to defending human righis and expose your brand to a qualified audience of 240 people, including experts, authorities, opinion makers and engaged civil society.
Investment: $5,000.00
Investment: $10,000.00
All the benefits of Silver, plus:
Investment: $15,000.00
All the benefits of Gold and Silver, plus:
Investment: $300.00
President and
Founder
Vice-president and
Counseling Coordinator
H&J President – João Pessoa
Event and Marketing Advisors and Coordinators
Chaplaincy Coordinator
Events coordinator
Medical Department
Coordinator
Advisor to the Finance and Accounting Department
Counseling Department
Board Advisor
Department of Study and Research
Press Advisor
Project architect
Comercial
Advisor
Advisors and Coordinators of the Department of Scientific Studies and Research
Psychological and property violence in the domestic sphere, which is often invisible, urgently needs legal attention. This conference aims to debate the issue and propose an advance in the current domestic violence legislation in the state of Florida, having seen in our fieldwork the difficulties faced by victims seeking protection from this type of violence.
The legislative suggestion aims to provide legal protection, giving victims the security they need to find legal support when they are victimized by this type of violence.
Orlando will be the setting where a new era of legal protection will be born. This Congress is not just about creating laws; it’s about transforming lives by ensuring that all women have legal protection against psychological violence. We count on everyone’s participation to shape this safer and fairer future together.
Since 1981, Florida Tourism has been playing a vital role in the travel industry, not only providing exceptional travel experiences but also committing to social causes that make a difference. As the official travel agency of the Hope & Justice Foundation, Florida Tourism shares our mission to promote social justice.
By choosing Florida Tourism for your travels, you are directly contributing to the strengthening of the Hope & Justice Foundation. Part of the value of your tickets and travel packages is allocated to funding our projects and initiatives, helping us to continue our work.
Every trip purchased with Florida Tourism is an opportunity to make a difference in the world. In addition to exploring new destinations with a trusted agency and long-standing tradition, you will also be supporting a noble cause. Together, we can achieve even more, providing hope and justice for those in need.
Be part of this transformative journey. Travel with Florida Tourism and strengthen the Hope & Justice Foundation!
The number of domestic violence reports significantly increased during the social isolation period. In 2020, femicide rates rose by 22.2% compared to March and April of 2019. To prevent this alarming trend from escalating further, the National Council of Justice (CNJ) joined forces with the Brazilian Association of Magistrates (AMB) and launched the Red Signal Campaign against Domestic Violence in June 2020.
The creation of the campaign was the first practical outcome of a working group established by the CNJ to develop emergency actions aimed at supporting victims of domestic violence during the isolation period. This group was created under Ordinance No. 70/2020, after confirming the rise in cases of violence against women during the global quarantine imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
How the Red Signal Campaign Works
The central idea of the campaign is to allow women to seek help in pharmacies, public institutions, and banks by showing a red “X” marked on their hand. Around 15,000 pharmacies, city halls, judicial institutions, and Banco do Brasil branches are now prepared to support victims. In these locations, attendants, upon seeing the signal, will immediately alert the police authorities.
Campaign Procedure:
• The red “X” drawn with lipstick (or any available material) on the palm or on a piece of paper allows the attendant to recognize that the woman is a victim of domestic violence and take action by contacting the police.
• Attendants are provided with a guide and visual tutorial explaining the necessary steps to assist the victim and alert the authorities, following a pre-established protocol.
• When the signal is shown, the attendant discreetly collects the victim’s name, phone number, and address, and calls 911 (Brazil: 190) to inform the police. If possible, they guide the victim to a private area to wait for the authorities.
• If the victim refuses to involve the police at that moment, the attendant should respect their decision and report the information to 190 after the victim leaves to ensure her safety.
• Confidentiality and discretion are critical for the campaign’s success. Attendants will not be called to testify in court.
If the incident is in progress, the Military Police will escort both the victim and the aggressor to the police station.
If not, the incident will be reported to the police station, where further actions will be taken, such as filing a report and requesting a protective order.
Maria da Penha is a renowned activist and advocate for women's rights, whose name is forever associated with the law aimed at combating domestic and family violence in Brazil. After enduring a painful experience of violence from her ex-husband, she transformed her story into an unrelenting fight for justice, leading to the enactment of the Maria da Penha Law in 2006, which provides protection and assistance to women victims of violence. During her lecture, Maria da Penha will share her journey and the developments of the law that bears her name. She will explain the key aspects of the legislation, which not only punishes offenders but also implements policies for prevention and support for victims. The Maria da Penha Law is a milestone in the fight for women's rights, recognizing gender-based violence as a social and public health issue and promoting a comprehensive support system.
Vanessa Lapolli Medeiros is an Italian-Brazilian from Santa Catarina who has been living in Milan, Italy, for 21 years. A journalist, mother, entrepreneur, and, since 2019, an activist for women's rights, Vanessa has dedicated herself to raising awareness and fighting for an end to violence against women, child sexual abuse, and human trafficking. Her work and seminars focus on these causes, organizing lectures with model, actress, and activist Luiza Brunet in various European cities such as Milan, Rome, Trieste, Dublin, Pescara, Madrid, Lisbon, and Porto, with the valuable support of Brazilian consulates and embassies. Vanessa is Luiza Brunet's manager in Europe and an international speaker, sharing her work as an activist and providing testimony about the violence she endured, including physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, and how she narrowly escaped becoming a victim of femicide in 2023.
Irma has volunteered at First Life Center for Pregnancy since 2014, and she will now lead all ministry programming at the center while advancing First Orlando’s child advocacy ministry, including orphan foster care initiatives and Human Trafficking. Irma’s ministry experience began at a young age when her parents planted Iglesia Bautista Biblica in Guadalajara, Mexico. Irma is also a graduate of Florida Christian University where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Counseling. Following a distinguished career with UPS in aviation, Irma has been active in ministry leadership. Since 2015, she has been instrumental to the explosive growth of First Orlando’s Hispanic Ministry. Irma helped to launch our first Spanish service and has supported the ministry’s expansion to four services with an average weekly attendance of 850 in person and 1,000 online! Irma has already helped First Orlando connect with and serve thousands of people around the world, and the Center for Pregnancy’s future is bright under her leadership. Irma and her husband, Orlando, joined First Orlando in 2010 and have two children, Jazmin (22) and Daniel (18).
Greg Snyder is the co-founder of SAFE (Strategic Alliance to Fight Exploitation) in Central Florida, an alliance of non-profits, law enforcement and community partners that have joined together to fight human trafficking in Central Florida and across the US. SAFE focuses on identifying and funding strategic projects that are either not being addressed by the current anti-HT movement or projects that need additional support. One such project is the SAM (Student Abolitionist Movement) summit that was just held on 10/25/24 where SAFE was the co-sponsor with Safehouse of Seminole.
TOPIC: “Building an Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking”
⦁ Born in Recife/PE. Philosopher and Master in Political Science from the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE). University professor for 26 years, in Law and other areas of Human Sciences; Specializing in Neuropsychology from IHALT. Co-founder and Vice-president of the Maria da Penha Institute (IMP) Responsible for the Mentoring and Pedagogical Training Programs for IMP Volunteers. Activist in the area of Confronting Violence against Women, Domestic Violence and Gender Violence and Racism. Member representing Civil Society), of the Sectional Commission of Women Lawyers (OAB/PE). Member of the Brazilian Institute of Criminal Sciences (IBCCrim). She is a Board Member of the Global Compact Rede Brasil - Movimento Raça é Prioridade. Board Member of World Vision/Vice-president of the Union of Higher Education Teachers of the IES of Recife and Metropolitan Region (SINPROES). Creator of the Political Training Workshop Program for Women and the Workshop on Respect, Care and Confrontation of Violence in Schools. Co-founder and Vice-president of the Maria da Penha InstituteCofounder and Vice president of Maria da Penha Institute.
Master's in Law from the Faculty of Law at the Classical University of Lisbon, postgraduate in Legal Sciences from the Federal University of Pernambuco/Esmape and in Civil Procedural Law from Uninassau/Esmape. Professor at Esmape, Universo, Facal, with training in Systemic Family Approach from Unipaz in Brazil and the Hellinger Schule in Germany. She has served as a Judge of the 5th Family Court in Recife for ten years and previously served as a Domestic Violence Judge for 13 years in the jurisdictions of João Alfredo, Salgadinho, Glória do Goitá, and Chã de Alegria in Pernambuco, Brazil. She is a Reiki Master, mediator, restorative justice facilitator, and family and organizational constellation practitioner. In 2016, she introduced Bert Hellinger's Family and Systemic Practices project to the Pernambuco Court of Justice (TJPE), which evolved into the “A New View for Conciliation” Program, regulated by TJPE. As the Coordinator of the TJPE's Citizenship and Justice Houses (2018-2019), she developed a Collective Marriage Program for low-income communities, hosted at court venues and in partnership with shopping centers through the department of the Pernambuco Court of Justice.
Senior Engagement Manager
DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking
Homeland Security Investigations
U.S. Department of Homeland Security
Ms. Erica Reid is a Senior Engagement Manager at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Center Countering Human Trafficking, Blue Campaign Office with over 18 years of government service. Specializing in public affairs and outreach, Erica uses her experience to raise awareness of human trafficking across the country. Her portfolio focuses on youth and student leaders, Adults working with youth, Native American/Tribal Nations, and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Within the portfolio, she provides training to communities across the county, manages advertisement campaigns for youth and Native/Indigenous communities, engage in conferences as a subject expert on awareness, and lead events on educating stakeholder in combating human trafficking.
Diego is the CEO and founder of Nudge Education, a UK based Education Intervention Service. Nudge Education successfully transitioned over 6,000 highly vulnerable young people back into education, committed to addressing issues of equity, participation, and school absenteeism. With over 21 years of experience in England, Diego's work is rooted in his background in social science and postgraduate studies in child psychology, education, and leadership. He has led nationally recognised projects focused on health, education, and social integration in highly deprived communities. Currently, he is pursuing a PhD at Northumbria University in Newcastle upon Tyne, where his research focuses on developing a typology of school absenteeism, furthering his dedication to ensuring that every young person has the opportunity to engage fully in education and life.
Graduated in Counseling from Asbury Theological Seminary in the area of Pastoral Counseling and Therapy for Families, Couples, and Individuals. Founder of the Bridge to Life Foundation, a project that offers psychological services as well as the promotion of emotional support programs for specific purposes. Since coming to the United States 24 years ago, she has dedicated herself to helping the immigrant community, initially co-founding the Centro Assistencial Nova Esperança, through which she developed Portuguese language projects in Orlando, including the Projeto Cultural Brasileirinhos na Florida, and counseling services for low-income individuals. She held the Day of Support for Brazilians in partnership with the Consulate General of Brazil in Miami for 10 years. She was Coordinator of the Citizens' Council of Florida, of which she has been a member since its founding in 2013, ending her term in 2017
Patricia Saldanha Marinho de Almeida is the mother of 3 women, one of whom is disabled. She is a retired federal civil servant, journalist (PUC/Rio), master in Disability Studies (CUNY - City University of New York), and specialist in Simple Language (University Autonomous of Barcelona, Fundación Visibilia - Argentina and Plena Inclusión - Spain). Co-creator of the Eu Me Protejo methodology - inclusive education to prevent violence in childhood, in Simple Language. Coordinator of civil society efforts for UN resolutions on World Down Syndrome Day and Easy-to-Understand Communication Former advisor to the National Coordination for the Integration of People with Disabilities – CORDE, of the Special Secretariat for Human Rights of the Presidency of the Republic. Vice consul, responsible for Assistance to Brazilians and community affairs at the Brazilian consulates in New York and Geneva. Medal of the Order of Rio Branco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Prosecutor of the Public Ministry of the State of Espírito Santo for 18 years, having worked as Sub-coordinator of the ‘Center for Combating Gender Violence in Defense of Women's Rights’ between 2012 and 2019 and, since 2021, working in cases of feminicide, in the Jury Court, as Chief Prosecutor of the 5th Criminal Justice Prosecutor's Office of Serra, District of the State Capital. Bachelor of Law from the Federal University of Espírito Santo and Master in Fundamental Rights and Guarantees from the Faculty of Law of Vitória-ES.
Cintia Meirelles de Azevedo is Brazil Director at The Exodus Road—an NGO—and founder of the Traffickwatch Brazil Academy. With a degree in Business Administration from Mackenzie University and a Masters in Intercultural Studies from Trinity University, USA, Cintia is also studying a Masters in Global Security from King’s College of London. Her consistent collaborations with federal and state agencies, international organizations, and NGOs exemplify her tireless dedication to combating organized crime, human trafficking, and smuggling. In her work at The Exodus Road, Cintia leads initiatives to combat human trafficking in Brazil, cultivating partnerships with key stakeholders, including the Federal Police, Civil Police, São Paulo Public Security Secretariat (SSP-SP) and the Ministry of Justice. In collaboration with renowned organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the National Council of Justice (CNJ) and BPFRON (Batalhão de Policia de Fronteira), Cintia tackles the complex challenges of human trafficking, strengthening surveillance at borders and empowering security forces with advanced training and cutting-edge technology. Prior to her current position, Cintia contributed to refugee resettlement efforts with World Relief, assisting with the integration of refugees in the United States. During the humanitarian crisis in Venezuela, she played a key role in adapting the American resettlement model for implementation in Brazil, in collaboration with UNHCR and the Brazilian government, focusing on the internalization of refugees in Brazilian territory.
For over 20 years in the USA, with 15 years of experience in the health insurance and life insurance sector.Veronica is a certified agent by the US Department of Health Insurance, healthcare.gov, and included in the “Circle of Champions” for four consecutive years, considered one of the most awarded Brazilian professionals in the US in the health and life insurance sector, with recognitions as Top Agent Broker by Oscar Elite Insurance, Marketing Director by PHP, and Woman of the Year by the Association of Women Entrepreneurs. Furthermore, Veronica is co-author of the best-seller “Negócios Sobre Saltos”. In recognition of her leadership, Veronica was honored in 2024 by Grupo Mídia América, receiving the ML C International Award on International Women's Day. This award celebrates the leadership and courage of women around the world, highlighting Veronica's efforts and dedication to empowering and protecting communities through health and life insurance. Rated 5.0 on Google by its customers, Veronica stands out for excellent service. She maintains her goal of helping more and more people and caring for families in a personalized and attentive way.
Clinical and Community Psychologist with over 20 years of experience. Holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and Biblical Studies. Specialist in THC. Doctoral student at South Florida Bible College (SFBC). Associate Member of the American Psychological Association (APA) and member of the Society for Community Research and Action (SCRA). Community Outreach and Christian Counselor at CCCHeals. Recipient of the Chancellor Dr. Joseph Guadagnino Award for her contributions.
Lawyer specialized in crimes committed in families, former undersecretary for combating violence against women in the Federal District, Brazil. President of the international victim protection network Laço Branco Brasil, President of the international Soroptimist Club Brasília Norte Sul, vice president of Global unity woman, president of the commission on the rights of people with disabilities in Samambaia, Brazil, president of the religious freedom commission of the OAB of Samambaia, President of the Women's Council of Novo Gama, Director of the Brazilian Academy of History, Geography and Literature, specialist in International Human Trafficking from The “Road international”. Also, a speaker, consultant and writer, master in Human Rights and a master's student in Political Sciences.
Ambassador João Lucas Quental Novaes de Almeida was the director of the Department of Human Rights and Social Policy in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Brazil (2019 — 2 — 23). As a career diplomat for almost thirty years, he has served in several posts, including the Permanent Missions of Brazil to the United Nations in New York and Geneva. Assistant to Mission of Brazil to UNESCO in Paris and Head od Multilateral Section at the Embassy of Brazil in London. Ambassador João Lucas, graduated in Economics and obtained master's degrees in International Relations from the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro and from the London School of Economics (LSE).
Survivor of child sexual violence, founder of MILA — Instituto Movimento Infância Livre de Abusos, writer and author of the book O ESCURO ME ABRAÇA, speaker, effective member of the Parliamentary Commission named “Together against Pedophilia” at Legislative House of Minas Gerais- Brazil. Participated in the working group for Bill 3.890/2020 – Victims Statute.
Crofoot is a Licensed Christian Clinical Counselor that holds BA, Master, and PhD in Psychology /Counselor from Florida Christian University, Bachelor’s in Science of Nursing (BSN) from Universidade Catolica de Salvador, Bacharel (BA) in History from Universidade Catolica de Salvador, and Mental Health Coaching from Light University. She’s also certified in The Science of Happiness from Berkeley, EMDR Certified, Gottman Method Couple Therapy, Level I. Dr. Crofoot, has over 25 years of experience in Health Education, Psychology/Counselor, and Human Development. Professor, at the Florida Christian University, she opened My Whole Health Life, LLC., Counseling Center. Dr. Crofoot is a volunteer for Hope & Justice Foundation, we help people from Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking. Dr. Crofoot, wrote an Educational Book for children and parents. Anger HoneyBear.
Architect, founder of THOL Arquitetura, a Minas Gerais office that breathes creativity and passion for projects that inspire. THOL stands out for combining design and functionality, transforming dreams into realities. She believes that architecture has the power to positively impact people's lives, and is dedicated to delivering projects that bring comfort, well — being and improve the quality of life.