Wednesday, June 4, 2014

Common Ground hosts human trafficking awareness session



By JERRY WOLFFE

Common Ground is participating in a task force to raise awareness of human trafficking and co-sponsoring a women’s networking event, “Chained — A Program on Human Trafficking,” with human trafficking survivor Theresa Flores.

The event is from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on June 26 at the Village Club of Bloomfield Hills, 190 East Long Lake Road. A portion of the $90 ticket price will be donated to Common Ground’s Victim’s Assistance Program, which provides 24-hour access to counselors and advocates for victims of crime, domestic and sexual abuse and workplace violence.

To purchase tickets, call (248) 451-3736 or visit www.commongroundhelps.org
Flores, who was a teenager from Birmingham when she was kidnapped, will share her
story of trafficking and being a sex slave. It is a compelling look at a billion-dollar industry that forces thousands around the world and in southeastern Michigan into activities against their will, a Common Ground spokeswoman said.

"Every day, the horror of human trafficking is perpetrated by profit-seeking predators who exploit children, women and  men for sex and labor services. Increasingly, traffickers conduct their illicit operations in Michigan,” said Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette.
“Human traffickers take advantage of technology to remain anonymous and keep their victims hidden in the shadows,” he added. "Our daughters, friends and neighbors are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude and other forced labor by traffickers who take advantage of them."