Judge Stephen Ukeiley to Address the National Organization for Women

District Court/Acting County Court Judge Stephen Ukeiley will address the Mid-Suffolk Chapter of the National Organization for Womenon Saturday, May 31, 2014 from 11:00 AM - 1 PM at the Hauppauge Library, 601 Veterans Memorial Hwy.

Judge Ukeiley presides in Suffolk County's Human Trafficking Court. It is one of eleven such courts in New York State. His remarks will focus on how this specialty court addresses the scourge of abuse and exploitation of women and children in Suffolk County. 

"The National Organization for Women (NOW) has been at the forefront of anti-trafficking activism, conducting many educational workshops on how women and their families can protect themselves from this ever-present threat," said Grace Welch, president emerita of the Western Suffolk chapter. "We're grateful to Judge Ukeiley for joining us and educating our members on how the judicial system works to protect our Suffolk County families."

"Attending to victims of human trafficking and the myriad of issues they are presented with are extremely daunting and frequently overlooked in the criminal justice system," said Dawn Brown, executive director of Brighter Tomorrows, a licensed New York State shelter facility that assists victims of domestic violence and their children. "However, Judge Ukeiley has demonstrated the unique ability to understand the trauma induced circumstances that have brought these individuals into his courtroom. He is truly invested in the well being of each victim and procuring successful outcomes for their future," said Brown. 

"In addition to addressing the defendant's underlying criminal conduct, the Human Trafficking Court was established in part to assist in breaking the vicious cycle of abuse," said Judge Ukeiley. "I am looking forward to discussing the Court and its impact with the National Organization for Women and the public."