Human Trafficking Documentary Premieres at LAPD’s Deaton Hall NA11171cj

WHAT:   
Premiere of human trafficking documentary
        
WHEN:   
Thursday, September 15, 2011  7 p.m.

WHERE:   
LAPD Deaton Hall Auditorium
100 West 1st Street
Los Angeles, Calif. 90012
        
WHO:       
United States Attorney André Birotte
Inter-Agency Council on Child Abuse and Neglect (ICAN)
Chairperson Honorable Judge Donna Groman
LAPD Commander Ann Young, Detective Support and Vice Division (DSVD)
LAPD DSVD Representatives
FBI Supervisory Special Agent Mike Osborn of Innocence Lost Task Force (ILTF)
Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking (CAST) Representative
Human trafficking survivor “Wendy”     

WHY:    
To raise awareness about human trafficking, a multibillion-dollar criminal enterprise of modern-day slavery.  The average age of entry into prostitution in the United States is 12-14 years old.  With more than 45 states in the U.S. that have passed statutes criminalizing human trafficking, the LAPD, in partnership with the FBI’s ILTF is taking an active role in the fight against human trafficking in our communities.

In collaboration with the creators of the documentary “FLESH, Bought & Sold in the U.S.,” LAPD’s DSVD and the FBI will host a screening of this award-winning film, a powerful documentary that brings awareness to our definitions of slavery and educates the community on human trafficking.  More importantly, the film will prove beneficial to law enforcement in identifying and rescuing victims of modern-day slavery and increase the potential of prosecuting those who profit from human trafficking.  

During a ride-a-long with DSVD personnel, cameras captured commercial sex workers on the streets of Los Angeles and revealed the heartbreaking reality of “The Game” as described by current and former pimps.  Even more compelling are the stories of former sex workers who tell of the atrocious ways they were enslaved physically and psychologically.  Women tell their moving stories of being trafficked in the U.S. and how they escaped.

Following the film, a short panel discussion will take place.  Participants will address criminal justice issues, the importance of collaboration and establishing an effective relationship between law enforcement and non-governmental organizations and how anti-trafficking advocates can partner with law enforcement.  

The panel will include United States Attorney André Birotte, ICAN Chairperson Honorable Judge Donna Groman, FBI Supervisory Special Agent Mike Osborn of the ILTF, and a CAST representative. A very special guest, “Wendy,” a human trafficking survivor profiled in the documentary will also be present.  

As a community outreach and education effort, Community Police Advisory Boards, city council members, elected officials and community members are encouraged to attend this free screening of “FLESH, Bought & Sold in the U.S.”  Trailers and additional information about the documentary can be seen at www.FLESHTHEMOVIE.org.                   

CONTACT:    Reservations for the screening are preferred. To RSVP or ask questions regarding this event, contact LAPD Lieutenant André Dawson or Detective Hector Sanchez at
    (213) 486-0910.