| Perrysburg church program to educate about sex trafficking |
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| Written by KAREN NADLER COTA Sentinel Lifestyles Editor | |
| Wednesday, 12 September 2012 09:59 | |
A Sept. 17 program titled "Sex Trafficking in Ohio" aims to address that knowledge gap "and sensitize people regarding the problem in our Toledo area as well as the surrounding counties," notes area resident Jeanne Zurat. The program will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. at Blessed John XXIII Parish at 24250 Dixie Highway. The presenter will be Mary Schmidbauer, director of Second Chance, a Toledo-based social service program which provides comprehensive services to victims of domestic sex trafficking and prostitution. The event is open to the public. It was originally inspired by a parish activity group called Dining For Women, which has an international focus along the lines of "think globally and act locally." A recent Dining For Women topic was Cambodia and the sex trafficking problem in that country. The women present noted that one doesn't have to go around the world to find this kind of heinous criminal activity, with young women and even children being victimized in such an extreme way. "Knowing that we are the hub of this sex trafficking problem, due to our location at the intersection of the I-75 corridor and the turnpike, we figured it would be a good social justice program to have," Zurat said. That location makes it easier for perpetrators to hide, including at area rest stops. Schmidbauer calls the program "Sex Trafficking 101." The Toledo area ranks fourth in the nation for children involved in the sex trade, which is, in effect, a modern day form of slavery. Many identified victims in this area are females between the ages of 10 and 17. Second Chance's mission is to offer supportive services to women and youth affected by or at risk for involvement in sex trafficking or commercial sexual exploitation, as they reclaim lives of choice. "We also aim to raise community awareness about the issues of sex trafficking and the commercial sexual exploitation of children and to work diligently to end the exploitation and victimization of women and youth," Schmidbauer explained. To that end, Second Choice works to secure and provide resources for treatment and services for victims of sexual exploitation. Admission to the Sept. 17 Perrysburg program is free, although a free-will donation will be taken to benefit Second Chance. "Also, we are asking for small travel-size toiletries for the organization," Zurat added. |
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| Last Updated on Wednesday, 12 September 2012 11:23 |
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