DSW Legal Director Contributes Expertise at NYC Mayor’s Office Convening on Human Trafficking

DSW Legal Director Melissa Broudo participated in Across Systems and Sectors: Reducing Silos in NYC’s Response to Human Trafficking, one of the panels at a conference organized by the NYC Mayor’s Office to End Domestic and Gender-Based Violence. The event brought together leaders from law, healthcare, social services, and public health to explore how New York City can strengthen coordination among systems that respond to human trafficking.

The discussion emphasized the importance of cross-sector collaboration, improved information-sharing, and survivor-centered practices that reduce retraumatization and close service gaps. Broudo highlighted the need for coordinated approaches that uphold the rights and dignity of survivors, while ensuring that anti-trafficking efforts do not rely on criminalization or punitive systems that harm marginalized communities.

Panelists included representatives from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, NYC Health + Hospitals, the Urban Resource Institute, and other key partners. Together, they examined how to make New York’s anti-trafficking response more integrated, equitable, and effective.

DSW was honored to contribute its legal and policy expertise to this important citywide conversation. Broudo’s participation reinforces DSW’s effective commitment to advancing public health and human rights through collaboration, prevention, and survivor-informed advocacy.