A human trafficking awareness seminar was held in Viera on Feb. 24 at the Brevard Public Health Department Conference Center. The event, titled 'Shatter the Silence: Every Voice Matters,' was organized by the GFWC Viera Woman’s Club, Inc. and featured presentations from Carl and Deb Kretchman, co-directors of Awareness & Education, Life Recaptured. The couple detailed the prevalence of human trafficking in the area and discussed ways to identify and report potential cases.
The seminar drew attendees including GFWC Legislative Chairman Catherine Meng, County Commissioner Rob Feltner, and Harriet Hankerson, president of the GFWC Viera Woman’s Club, Inc. Meng said the event aimed to equip local residents with practical knowledge to combat trafficking. 'This is about understanding the signs and knowing how to act,' she said during the seminar. Feltner emphasized the need for community involvement, noting that Brevard County has seen a rise in trafficking cases over the past two years.
Kretchman highlighted that trafficking often occurs in plain sight, with victims being forced into labor or commercial sex work. 'It’s not just about sex trafficking,' Deb Kretchman said. 'People are being exploited in industries like agriculture and hospitality.' The presentation included data showing that 83% of trafficking victims in Florida are women and children, according to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement.
The event included a panel discussion with local law enforcement and social workers. Attendees received resources on how to report suspected trafficking, including a 24/7 hotline and online reporting tools. Hankerson said the club plans to host similar events quarterly. 'We can’t solve this alone,' she said. 'But education is the first step.'