The below information is derived from the article: “Seminar looking to raise awareness on human trafficking in Cadillac area”

• By Rick Charmoli Cadillac News
• Dec 30, 2024

CADILLAC — Human trafficking knows no boundaries.

Human traffickers don’t care about age, sex, or ethnicity. Anyone can be a victim, including those living in Northern Michigan and the Cadillac area. A local group is working to shine a light on the issue of human trafficking.

On Jan. 11, a Human Trafficking Awareness Seminar will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church, 800 W. 13th St. The seminar is being presented by the Human Trafficking Prevention Coalition.

For those who may not know, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. Victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labor. Victims can be young children, teenagers, men, and women. Trafficking occurs worldwide, including in the United States and Michigan.

Karen Staub, prevention coordinator for the Wexford-Missaukee Child Protection Council, said that although her organization is not sponsoring the seminar, human trafficking falls under the same umbrella as child protection and trauma.

For that reason, the child protection council decided to get involved.

Staub said the Human Trafficking Prevention Coalition was active about 10 years ago but eventually dissolved. As the issue of human trafficking has grown locally, coalition members decided to regroup and reorganize.

“Whether it is sex or labor trafficking, the problem is growing, and it is not getting better,” Staub said. “We are trying to raise awareness that it is happening in the area, the state, and the nation.”

During the event, there will be multiple speakers, and light snacks and refreshments will be available. Staub said the goal is to raise awareness and encourage attendees to ask questions about how they can help address this issue.

The seminar is for mature audiences only, and minors must be accompanied by an adult.

“It’s going to be an informational event, and I know there will be one woman who is a survivor sharing her story. Sometimes those stories can be triggering, so we are emphasizing that this is for mature audiences,” she said. “If parents want to bring preteens or teens to help start the conversation — how to recognize human trafficking situations and how to report them — they are more than welcome to do that.”

While human trafficking can involve sex or labor trafficking, Staub said both forms are happening locally. Like child abuse or child sexual abuse, human trafficking is something many people don’t want to acknowledge is occurring in their community.

Regardless, human trafficking is happening here, which is why the seminar is being held.

“It is about making sure we recognize it is happening, that it is a problem, and that it is a growing problem,” Staub said.

To register for the seminar, call (231) 846-4495 or email to mary@healingprivatewounds.org. There is no cost to attend but donations will be accepted.