NOVA, in partnership with the Warwick Township Police Department and State Rep. Kristin Marcell, will host a free public program later this month focused on sextortion and online safety for children and teens.
“Sextortion: A Community Conversation” will take place Feb. 26 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Warwick Township Building, 1733 Township Green, Jamison, Warwick Township.
The event will feature law enforcement officials, prosecutors and victim advocates discussing how sextortion occurs, how cases are investigated and prosecuted, and how the crime impacts youth and families.
The program will also address warning signs and prevention tips to help keep children and teens safe online.
Panelists include Detective Eric Landamia of the Bucks County Detectives; Detective Sgt. Wade Ditommaso of the Warwick Township Police Department; Kristin McElroy, first assistant district attorney for Bucks County; Jamie Pfister, training coordinator at NOVA; and Danielle DiUlio, human trafficking victim advocate at NOVA.
“Addressing sextortion requires a community-wide response,” Pfister said in a statement. “Our goal is to empower families with knowledge — from understanding how these crimes happen, to recognizing warning signs and taking proactive steps.”
Warwick Township Police Chief Jon Ogborn said the event offers residents an opportunity to engage directly with criminal justice leaders and prevention specialists.
“This event offers the community an opportunity to engage directly with criminal justice leaders, prevention specialists, and other key stakeholders,” Ogborn said. “Your participation is vital to building a safer community.”
Marcell said sextortion is “a growing threat that targets young people and families through coercion, fear and online manipulation,” and emphasized the importance of providing practical information for parents and students.
The program is free, and registration is available at novabucks.org.
NOVA, founded in 1974, is a nonprofit organization that supports victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County and provides advocacy, training and prevention programs throughout the community. NOVA operates out of three offices in Fairless Hills, Jamison and Perkasie.
Services are made possible through the financial support of federal, state and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.
