Sex trafficking is a growing concern across the United States, and Long Island is no exception. Leaders across the region are coming together to educate schools, businesses, and communities about the dangers of sex and labor trafficking. The initiative is led by Paul Tonna, President and Executive Director of The Energeia Partnership, with the support of law enforcement experts and community advocates. Their mission is to raise awareness, prevent exploitation, and protect young people throughout Long Island.
The Urgency of Sex Trafficking Awareness
Sex trafficking is not just an international problem—it occurs in local communities as well. According to the U.S. Department of State 2025 Trafficking in Persons Report, there were 2,640 documented sex trafficking incidents in the U.S. in 2023. The Polaris Project reports that over 82,300 cases of sex and labor trafficking have been reported through the National Human Trafficking Hotline since 2007. Alarmingly, a 2019 U.S. Department of Education study found that more than 5,300 victims identified through the hotline were under the age of 18.
These statistics underscore the urgent need for community-based education and awareness programs. Leaders across Long Island are now working together through The Energeia Partnership to provide training, resources, and support to schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.
Paul Tonna and The Energeia Partnership Leadership
Paul Tonna has decades of experience in public leadership and community engagement. Under his guidance, The Energeia Partnership serves as a central hub for collaborative initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues in the region. For this sex trafficking awareness campaign, Paul Tonna is bringing together a team of experts to ensure a comprehensive, multi-sector approach:
- Gerri Hart, a former FBI agent, is leading law enforcement coordination and investigative efforts.
- Neela Lockel, from the EAC Network, focusing on victim help and advocacy.
- Marian Conway, coordinating with local nonprofits and victim service agencies to ensure the program is survivor-informed.
Together, this leadership team reflects a unified effort across Long Island, combining law enforcement, education, and community advocacy to combat sex trafficking effectively.
Educating Schools and Communities
The campaign emphasizes the importance of educating both boys and girls about trafficking risks. Schools are encouraged to implement staff training and student awareness programs. Educators learn to identify warning signs such as sudden isolation, unexplained finances, secretive devices, online grooming, or reluctance to communicate openly.
Community organizations, faith groups, and neighborhoods are invited to host workshops, discussion nights, and events designed to educate parents, caregivers, and youth. By working together, Long Island leaders under the guidance of Paul Tonna are creating a region-wide culture of awareness and prevention.
Business Engagement and Prevention
Businesses are critical partners in the campaign. Paul Tonna and The Energeia Partnership encourage employers in hospitality, retail, transportation, and service industries to train staff to recognize suspicious behavior, implement reporting protocols, and collaborate with local law enforcement. By involving businesses, the campaign strengthens the network of adults who can identify and respond to potential trafficking situations.
Tools and Resources
The campaign uses the federal 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit issued by the Office for Victims of Crime and the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons. These resources provide actionable guidance for schools, businesses, and community organizations to recognize trafficking, respond effectively, and support victims.
The initiative is victim-centered, acknowledging that trafficking victims can be of any age or gender. Recovery pathways and trauma-informed care are available to support survivors, while clear reporting procedures help prevent further exploitation.
Why Local Action Matters
Traffickers often exploit local vulnerabilities, including high-traffic areas, tourist zones, and affluent communities. By mobilizing schools, businesses, and neighborhoods, Paul Tonna and leaders across Long Island are proactively addressing these risks. The collaborative approach through The Energeia Partnership ensures that Long Island becomes a model for community-driven sex trafficking prevention.
Sex trafficking remains a serious threat to communities across Long Island. Through education, prevention, and collaboration, Paul Tonna, The Energeia Partnership, and leaders across Long Island are taking proactive steps to protect youth and support victims. By working together, schools, businesses, and neighborhoods can create safer communities and set a model for other regions facing the challenges of sex trafficking.
How to Support the Campaign
- Schools: Integrate awareness programs, schedule staff training, and provide educational materials for students and parents.
- Businesses: Train employees, implement reporting protocols, and collaborate with local law enforcement.
- Community Members: Attend workshops, host discussions, and talk openly with children about healthy relationships, boundaries, and seeking help.
- Spread Awareness: Share information about the campaign online and in the community to educate others and reduce stigma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is leading the sex trafficking awareness campaign on Long Island?
Paul Tonna, President and Executive Director of The Energeia Partnership, is leading the initiative with a team of experts, law enforcement officials, and community advocates.
What are the warning signs of sex trafficking in children and teens?
Signs include sudden isolation, unexplained finances, secretive devices, online grooming, and reluctance to communicate openly. Training programs teach adults how to identify these warning signs.
How can schools participate in the campaign?
Schools can integrate awareness programs into curricula, schedule staff training, and provide educational resources for students and parents.
How can businesses support sex trafficking prevention?
Businesses can train employees, implement reporting protocols, and collaborate with local law enforcement to identify suspicious behavior and protect vulnerable individuals.
Who else is part of the leadership team?
Alongside Paul Tonna, the team includes Gerri Hart, a former FBI agent; Neela Lockel from the EAC Network; and Marian Conway, who coordinates with local nonprofits and victim service agencies.
Why is community involvement important?
Traffickers often exploit local vulnerabilities. Educated and vigilant communities are more likely to spot signs of trafficking early and prevent exploitation.
What resources are available for victims or those concerned about trafficking?
The campaign uses the federal 2025 Human Trafficking Prevention Month Toolkit and connects individuals to local law enforcement, nonprofits, and trauma-informed care services.