TAMIU Annual Report 2021

This Fall, TAMIU Regents Professor Dr. Frances Bernat saw a larger-than-life indication of the importance of her research on sex trafficking…a billboard that boldly shares a message focused on the dangers of online sexual exploitation, and bringing awareness to adults and teens. The campaign, R.E.A.L. Friends Don’t, grew from collaborations with like-minded individuals across the state. The Laredo billboard results from a partnership with The Outdoor Advertising Association of Texas, the Office of the Texas Governor, the McCain Institute, and the Trafficking Emergency Network…something very near and dear to Dr. Bernat. “Last year, I started the Trafficking Emergency Network (TEN). Our mission is to protect youth and young adults from sex trafficking in South Texas and inspire change in their lives by having a network that provides advocacy, emergency support services, and a cohesive response to the needs of sex trafficked victims. Our motto is ‘Stay courageous; There are more good people in the world than bad,’ ’’she explained. “I submitted some grants to support the work of TEN,” she continued, “Recently, the Texas Governor’s Office funded our diversion court (TEND) to help identify and provide services to children in the Child Protection Court who are at risk of being sex trafficked or sexually exploited. As a TAMIU faculty member, my role is to help network with people and agencies and to provide research services to TEN members.” Part of that work also afforded a rare opportunity to reconnect with a former student and alum, Christian Benavides (’06), who was a pivotal part of a strong local and state collaboration driving the initiative. “Christian contacted me because he is the South Texas administrator for the Governor’s Office handling child sex trafficking. He is a great partner and is helpful in identifying network partners and furthering TEN. Joining this collaboration are Julia Rubio (Webb County prosecutor), Judge Selina Mireles (Child Protection Court), Michele Nigliazzo (attorney), and others in the Christian Benavides (’06) and Dr. Frances Bernat. TAMIU FACULTY, ALUMNI TEAM AGAINST TRAFFICKING ALUMNI 21