Human trafficking film to be shown Saturday

The biggest challenge anti-human trafficking groups face as they work to get their message is convincing people that human trafficking is a problem.

Organizers are hoping the screening of a documentary about human trafficking will raise awareness in Newton and push more people to get involved in prevention efforts. Volunteer Barb Ranck said the film, which will be shown at 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Newton’s Capitol II Theatre, is chance to shed some light on an issue that many are reluctant to talk about.

“People don’t want to talk about sex trafficking,” Ranck said. “When we’re talking about the victimization of young people and women, it’s just hard to think there are people in the world like this, but it’s not going to go away if we don’t acknowledge this.”

Parents need to make sure they’re educating their children about the dangers of human trafficking, Ranck said. According to Ranck, the average age of entry into human trafficking in the United States is between 12-14 years of age. Checking on your child’s online activity and making sure children are aware of how predators operate can help prevent the spread of human trafficking, Ranck said. Social media and widespread access to cell phones among teens make it easier for predators to “groom” children, Ranck said.

“If you have teens with phones and they don’t have the guardrails or the mindset to understand who might be grooming them, people are trying to find out what their vulnerabilities are so they can manipulate them, it’s a dangerous thing,” Ranck said.

In addition to showing the documentary this weekend, the Garden Gate Ranch will also hold a forum next month. Co-sponsored by The Newton Church of the Way, the event will take place Feb. 24 and will feature a number of guest speakers.

While Ranck is hoping to make a splash in Newton, efforts are already underway in the community to educate residents about the dangers of human trafficking. A local group, Newton Says No to Human Trafficking, has a large and active membership in the community, including Rep. Wes Breckenridge, D-Newton. As a former police officer, Breckenridge said it’s important to raise awareness about the dangers of human trafficking in the community. While many residents may see it as a problem that’s confined to bigger cities, Breckenridge said residents need to stay vigilant. While the members of Newton Says No to Human Trafficking aren’t involved in the screening of Saturday’s film, Breckenridge said he’s glad to see the organizers bringing greater awareness to the issue.

“We’re excited that they’re promoting education and awareness,” Breckenridge said. “Anytime anyone in the community can continue to bring education and awareness we’re definitely excited about that.”

Lynn Keller echoed Breckenridge’s statements. Keller and Linda Pierce founded Newton Says No to Human Trafficking in 2012 because they saw a need to make members of the Newton community aware of a problem they may not have known existed.

On Tuesday, Gov. Kim Reynolds signed a proclamation naming January Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention and Awareness month. Keller said she hopes the state will continue to fund efforts to fight human trafficking despite facing a serious budget shortfall.

“Well I think it’s great that she’s [Reynolds] talking about increasing human trafficking awareness,” Keller said. “I think it’s a good thing, I just hope that she follows up with the money.”

Ranck said she isn’t sure how many people will attend the screening, but she said she’s hoping to fill the 100 seat theatre to capacity. It’s encouraging to see more and more attention being brought to the issue, and Ranck said now that prosecutors are starting to go after the “buyers” there’s hope to create a positive shift. While she admitted the film might make some uncomfortable, Ranck said she’s hoping it’ll encourage residents to get involved in the fight against human trafficking.

“It’s a tough topic, because it’s so underground, because of what goes on with the victims and how their identity is stripped away,” Ranck said. “It makes people uncomfortable, they just don’t want to believe that this is going on.”

Contact David Dolmage at 641-792-3121 ext. 6532 or ddolmage@newtondailynews.com