Human trafficking prevention program scheduled June 23 at Charles City Public Library

To The Press

Community members will have an opportunity to learn more about recognizing and preventing human trafficking during a free public presentation Monday, June 23, at the Charles City Public Library.

The training session, organized by Magdalene’s Light and Chains Interrupted, will take place from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the library, 910 Clark St.

The session is open to the public and geared toward adults who want to better understand the issue and learn steps they can take to protect youth and others who may be vulnerable.

Chains Interrupted Chief Operating Officer Tish Young will lead the session.

Young will discuss how traffickers target victims, particularly youth, and how technology – including artificial intelligence – is increasingly being used in exploitation and sextortion schemes.

She also will offer advice on how parents, caregivers and others can help children protect themselves and how individuals and communities can build responses to trafficking activity.

The program’s organizers say human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing organized crime in the United States, and that awareness is a key factor in preventing people from becoming victims.

“Education is the most powerful tool we have in the fight against human trafficking,” Chains Interrupted said in announcing the event.

Magdalene’s Light operates a Christian-faith-based residential recovery program in Charles City for women transitioning from drug, alcohol and abuse recovery programs, offering housing, mentorship, job support and spiritual guidance.

Chains Interrupted is a nonprofit focused on combating human trafficking through education, prevention programs for at-risk youth, advocacy and partnerships with schools and community organizations.

More information about the public presentation June 23 is available at www.ChainsInterrupted.com or by calling 319-364-0222.