Film sheds light on sex trafficking
In honor of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Soroptimist International of Whitefish will host a free screening on Sunday, Jan. 11, of “In Plain Sight,” an hour-long documentary highlighting the issue of sex trafficking in the United States.
We hope you can join us Sunday, Jan. 11, at 2:30 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center (600 East Second Street in Whitefish).
The documentary features six modern-day abolitionists who are fighting against sex trafficking in cities across the US. Their programs provide shelter and services to victims of sex trafficking. The film explores the circumstances that make individuals vulnerable to traffickers. It is important that our society understand the dynamics at play, as human trafficking is a $32-billion-a-year industry and the fastest-growing criminal activity worldwide.
The majority of prostituted people, both children and adults, have a history of child sexual abuse, neglect, or other forms of violence and trauma prior to being recruited “into the life.” However, age is still the greatest vulnerability. Traffickers are expert at exploiting the natural insecurities of adolescents and the Internet and social media are giving them easy access.
The U.S. Department of Justice states the average age of entry into prostitution is just 12 to 13 years old. Many in our society feel that these kids have made a choice and don’t see the victimization. This documentary will shatter that myth. “Safe Harbor Laws” recognize that children that have been commercially sexually exploited are victims of crimes and should be provided service instead of criminal convictions.
This legislative session, House Bill 89 revises Montana human trafficking laws to provide this safe harbor and brings the state’s human trafficking laws into conformity with the model Human Trafficking Act. HB89 is sponsored by Rep. Kim Dudik, D-Missoula and is a priority of Attorney General Tim Fox.
Soroptimist International of Whitefish also worked in conjunction with clubs in Helena to host a Jan. 9 screening, with the attorney general making the opening remarks and legislators in attendance.
Following the film in Whitefish, a panel discussion regarding sex trafficking in Montana will be held, featuring Sgt. Jeannie Parker of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office; Janiece Hamilton, a Flathead County victim advocate; and Hilary Shaw, executive director of the Violence Free Crisis Hotline/Abbie Shelter. In addition, we have brought in an internationally recognized expert on anti-slavery policy and programs, James Pond. He is the director of Survivor Care for Hope for Justice and the founder of Transitions, an organization that restores the lives of young girls rescued from sex trafficking in Cambodia.
The audience will be encouraged to ask questions. Understanding this crime is the first step in ending it. Ending this crime starts with each of us demanding appropriate laws and advocating their implementation. For more information on this important topic, contact Diane Yarus, SI of Whitefish, Human Trafficking Committee Chair, 751-2175.
Yarus is a resident of Kalispell.