Human Trafficking Film to be Screened at Library

Worldwide slavery-fighting organization A21 will be sponsoring a screening of their new video at the Westwood Public Library on Wednesday, June 13 at 7:30pm. Westwood resident and longtime A21 member Laurien Bean will be leading a discussion following the screening.

“The aim of the event is to create awareness about human trafficking and provide attendees with some practical ways they can help fight against it...A21 is a global non-profit organization that fights human slavery. The documentary shows how [A21] started 10 years ago, and what has happened between then and now. It is educational on how serious the matter is while still imparting hope that we can overcome it. After the documentary I will present a short presentation about the facts on human trafficking, followed by how we as individuals can get involved in fighting it,” Said Bean of the event.

Important facts to know about human trafficking include the fact that Polaris reported 8524 cases within the USA in 2017, with most cases having more than one victim involved, this is an increase of 13% from 2016. Of the 8524 cases 70% are sex trafficking related, and 15% labor related. Massachusetts reported 92 cases in 2017.

Bean states “Human trafficking is happening all around us - not just in escort agencies and brothels, but in residential homes and restaurants and places you and I go past on a daily basis. It [preys] on the vulnerable. Over the past 10 years there has been a consistent yearly increase in the numbers being affected. The statistics are daunting, but not impossible to overcome. Human trafficking can be abolished, but it requires everyone to do their part and get involved. The first step is education. Educate yourself on what modern day slavery is about, who it impacts and how it occurs, and then educate your family and friends. Teach your children how to be wise when using social media. Equip teenagers and young adults with knowledge so they are wise when meeting new people and entering into relationships. Change personal habits that may be supporting the trade. Be aware of the people around you and say something if you see something that doesn’t look right.”

It is of note that A21 is a Christian organization; however they respect the religious beliefs of all the women with whom they work and do not proselytize to them. A21 also differentiates between sex-trafficking, which it defines as “forcing, deceiving, or coercing a person to perform a commercial sex act,” and sex work, defined as “is in charge of her own body and her clients then it is not trafficking.”

Bean emphasizes that she is not an expert on the issue of human trafficking, but she believes “You can’t learn the facts about human trafficking and then do nothing about it - its too real and heart breaking to ignore. That’s the reason I’m hosting this event. I’m not an expert on the topic but I know the only way to abolish human trafficking is for everyone to know the facts and get involved in sharing them. Knowledge is key to prevent further victims. And being aware of those around you and reporting something that doesn’t seem right can possibly save a current victim.”

The free event will be at the Westwood Public Library at 7:30 on June 13. This event is recommended for people high-school age and older. More information can be found at the Eventbrite.