Gwen Skinner, Executive Director of Devereux Georgia, Kicks Off GWST Focus Week

KENNESAW, Ga. (Oct 29, 2015) — The Gender and Women’s Studies Program kicked off the annual Focus Week with a visit and lecture by Gwen Skinner, Executive Director of Devereux Georgia.

Devereux Georgia is a not-for-profit behavioral health organization that provides treatment and education for children, adolescents and young adults. During her visit, Skinner spoke specifically about the commercial sexual exploitation of children and adolescents in Georgia and nationwide.

The sexual exploitation of children is a 10 billion dollar industry in the United States, according to Skinner. Between 200 and 500 young girls are trafficked through Georgia each month. In addition to mental and behavioral health services, Devereux Georgia specializes in treatment and sheltering for children and young adults that have been victims of the sex trafficking industry.

Currently, the Gender and Women’s Studies Program is working with Skinner and others on campus to establish volunteer and service opportunities at Devereux for faculty, staff, and students. For more information, contact the coordinator of Gender and Women’s Studies, Stacy Keltner, at skeltner@kennesaw.edu.