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It can happen anywhere

Human trafficking film presentation slated for April 1

Men, women and children of all races, ages, sexual orientations and socio-economic backgrounds can fall prey to traffickers, and rural Iowa is not immune to these crimes. That’s why L.A.S.T. Watch (Labor and Sex Trafficking Watch), a watchdog group based in Marshalltown, provides educational resources, advocacy and support pertaining to human trafficking. On Saturday, April 1, the group will offer several viewings of two documentaries, plus bring in a guest speaker, in an event at the IVCCD Orpheum Theater Center that is free and open to the public.

The first documentary that will be screened is a 15-minute award-winning piece entitled “Any Kid Anywhere.” It spotlights the victims of sex trafficking in Iowa, sharing stories of their survival. It was made by Braking Traffik and Emmy-nominated filmmakers Kelly and Tammy Rundle. Showtimes will be at 1:30 p.m., 4 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.

“Not My Life,” a one-hour documentary showing the cruel and dehumanizing practices of human trafficking on a global scale, will be screened at 2:45 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. It was filmed over a four-year period in over a dozen countries, spanning five continents. Sex slavery, military use of children in Uganda, servitude in the United States and garbage picking in India are just some of the forms of trafficking depicted.

At 1:45 p.m., a survivor of trafficking in Iowa will give a presentation.

No tickets are required.

Teens Against Human Trafficking/YSS, Beza Threads and Worldly Goods will have tables set up with information about their services. Worldly Goods will have fair-trade items for sample and to purchase, including coffee and tea. Beza Threads will be selling hand-woven scarves, leather bracelets and leather wallets, all made by former slaves with the money then being sent to Ethiopia to support the rescue and release of trafficking victims.

“Marshalltown PD has not investigated any reported human trafficking cases. That does not mean it is not occurring,” said MPD Chief Mike Tupper. “Human trafficking offenses are very hard to detect and investigate. These crimes are also vastly under reported. We do receive an occasional complaint about prostitution services being advertised on the Internet. So far we have not linked anything directly back to Marshalltown.”

L.A.S.T. Watch formed after the Social Justice Committee at St. Henry Catholic Church began learning about and discussing human trafficking, and the ways to get involved in trying to eradicate it. Members speak to schools, churches and service clubs, believing that spreading awareness and informing people of the signs of human trafficking are key in exposing these crimes, which generate a $150 billion industry.

The group holds free public meetings on the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at St. Henry’s Parish Center.

Resources are available by contacting the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at: 888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” (233733). To learn more about L.A.S.T. Watch, contact the organization at: lastwatchgroup@gmail.com.

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Contact Sara Jordan-Heintz at 641-753-6611 or sjordan@timesrepublican.com

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