Educating youth on human trafficking, PSUSD holding free film screening

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) - 1/3 of Riverside County's Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force teams victims are juveniles, according to Sergeant Jeff Hammond.

It's why the task force is partnering with the Palm Springs Unified School District Family Engagement Center to educate students about human trafficking.

PSUSD is holding a free film screening and panel discussion showcasing the documentary 'Surviving Sex Trafficking.'

Organizers said the film shows the ongoing struggles human trafficking survivors face.

Million Essex, Family Community Engagement Specialist at PSUSD, said the panel will have 5 people.

"One of the panelists is actually a survivor," Essex said.

The event is on Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mary Pickford Theater in Cathedral City.

Ted Hane, Mary Pickford Theater General Manager, said they're excited to be involved in this initiative.

"It's such an important topic," Hane said. "There's so much lack of knowledge about some of the tactics that some of these individuals are using to grab a hold of our youth."

It's hosted by Superintendent Dr. Tony Signoret.

Organizers said the film is rated R and recommend for adult audiences only (18+), and that high school students must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

"It is for high school students and the adults," Essex said. "It's just a sensitive topic and it's not really for younger audiences."

To register, click on this link.

The Coalition to End Human Trafficking of Riverside County is also involved.

In a statement to News Channel 3 Denise Bowman, Director of the Coalition to End Human Trafficking Riverside County, said:

"The Coalition to End Human Trafficking of Riverside County is pleased to work with PSUSD on bringing a real world, reality based documentary on Sex Trafficking.  It’s imperative the community learn from survivors rather than Hollywood sensationalism.  PSUSD is on the foresight of bringing this topic to their parents, guardians, and even students.  The Coalition is privileged to partner with PSUSD in bringing this documentary, and expert panel of professionals and survivors fighting human trafficking in Riverside County every day."

Hammond said California is considered a "hotspot."

"Human trafficking in our county does look a little different than other areas," Hammond said. "Our main problem is with juveniles being recruited and taking advantage from our foster care system and our group homes. They're being specifically targeted and trafficked from those."

He said if you or someone you know needs help to email: HT@riversidesheriff.org.

Essex said the Family Engagement Center focuses on bridging the gap between families, staff and students.

"These families, they need help sometimes and they need certain resources and they don't know how to come out and say it," Essex said. "That's kind of where we come in and make them feel comfortable."

Stay with News Channel 3 to learn how traffickers are targeting youth in the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.