Human trafficking training

CRESCO - In 2014, one in every six endangered runaways reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) were likely a victim of child sex trafficking. 

Child sex trafficking is one of the most common types of commercial sexual exploitation. In the state of Iowa, since 2007, there have been: 926 calls, 239 cases, 366 victims with moderate indicators and 290 victims with high indicators all related to sex trafficking. Just in Iowa in 2017  there have been 105 calls and 42 human trafficking cases reported.  

Plan to attend an informative presentation being hosted by Youth Mentoring at Helping Services for Youth & Families Thursday, Nov. 9, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Cresco from 6:30-8 p.m.. 

Presenters are Mariana Vega, Anti- Human Trafficking Specialist with Friends of the Family and Trish Johnson, Bilingual Domestic Abuse Advocate with Helping Services. They are eager to bring about awareness and teach attendees about human trafficking. 

You do not have to be part of Youth Mentoring to attend this training. Important points being shared by the presenters include: A definition of human trafficking at the state and federal levels,  indicators  and statistics of human trafficking, and what to do if you encounter them. There will also be information about who is at risk and resources will be shared. 

In the Sept. 19, 2017 edition of The Des Moines Register, Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds said “Iowa is not immune from human trafficking.” This important and informative training is for everyone and is open to the public. Come and enjoy complimentary refreshments and learn more about this important topic. 

Serving families since 1973, Helping Services for Youth & Families is dedicated to responding to current health and safety needs of youth and families through empowerment, support, and education.