Press Release 20100816-04
Aug. 16, 2010

BAGHDAD – United States Embassy advisors to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice conducted a human trafficking seminar for female Iraqi Police officers Aug. 15 to raise awareness of domestic abuse and human trafficking.

The goal of the seminar, held at the Ministry of Interior Police Qualification Center, was to equip students with the proper tools and techniques needed to help victims of these crimes.

“Identifying victims of these crimes can be a challenge due to their reluctance to come forward,” said Theresa Talplacido, a Ministry of Justice advisor.

“Just because Iraqi females don’t complain doesn’t mean that domestic violence doesn’t occur,” said Brig. Gen. Sabah Hoshi Mohammed, head of the Police Qualification Center. “Unless we respect every person’s rights, we cannot build a strong country.”

More than 25 females currently attending a commissioner advisors course participated in the seminar, which included a presentation, discussion, role-playing and a question-and-answer session.

“Like domestic violence, human trafficking is often unreported, it’s hard to judge how big a problem it is,” Talplacido said. “Education of law enforcement is the key to combating this issue.”

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FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION OR INTERVIEWS CONCERNING THIS RELEASE, CONTACT THE USF-I J9 PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE FWD BY E-MAIL AT This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it OR BY PHONE AT DSN: (318) 239-5886 OR IRAQNA: 0780-997-5055.