HOLLAND (WHTC) — Holland’s Central Wesleyan Church will host a human trafficking awareness and response training conference Saturday.
Mary Whiteford, a registered nurse and state representative candidate, said she’s been learning about the crime since Gov. Rick Snyder appointed her to the Michigan Women’s commission two years ago. The term “human trafficking” can be confusing, she said.
“Whether it’s sexual expoitation, labor exploitation — it’s somebody who’s being coerced to do something against their will and they feel like they have no choice,” she said.
Victims could be sex workers, au pairs, agriculture laborers or in massage parlors.
Whiteford said she’s he’s been working for a year with Holland Police Capt. Jack Dysktra to plan the conference.
New laws will help victims return to a free and normal life.
Whiteford said she hopes to see police, educators, health and ministry workers attend as they are often the first to spot victims.
The conference is open to the public and set for 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday (Jan. 30). Free lunch is provided.
Central Wesleyan Church is at 446 W. 40th St. in Holland. Advance registration is suggested, to ensure everyone gets lunch.
Listen to Whiteford’s complete inteview as a podcast.
— Peg McNichol
