National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church will feature a guest speaker this weekend on the subject of human trafficking. 

Mary Frances Bowley is the president and founder of Wellspring Living, which fights childhood sexual abuse and exploitation. The event, “You Can Help: Combat Human Trafficking,” takes place Saturday from 7-9:30 p.m. at the church (4385 Lower Roswell Road).

It’s part of Human Trafficking Awareness Month across the country, and it’s also been getting a special push in Georgia.

Last week we noted efforts by the Cobb District Attorney’s office to get a Windy Hill Road motel to address concerns about sex trafficking, with the threat of forfeiting its property.

Bowley is a member of the Georgia Statewide Human Trafficking Task Force, and other related organizations will be onhand at the Mt. Bethel event with information on how the public can help.

For registration information click here.

Also next Tuesday, Jan. 15, the East Cobb Middle School PTSA is holding a forum on similar topics for middle school and high school students and their parents.

“Hidden Dangers” will explore trafficking issues, social media, “sexting” and pornography. Guest speakers include Susan Norris of Rescuing Hope and Jeff Shaw of Out of Darkness.

The title comes from a U.S. Department of Justice statistic that for 76 percent of predators, their most common first encounter is online.

Last month a Canadian man was sentenced to 16 years in prison for the sexual exploitation of a Cobb girl he contacted online, and whom he arranged to meet in person. He was arrested at the Atlanta airport.

The event takes place from 6:30-8 p.m. at East Cobb Middle School (825 Terrell Mill Road), and there are separate events for students and parents. Click here to register.

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