Human trafficking subject of two Sequim talks

Across the U.S., the Soroptimist club is working to reduce the international traffic in human beings.

Toward that end, the Sequim chapter of Soroptimist will host two experts on the topic who will be providing presentations beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 30, at the Sequim High auditorium.

Kathleen Morris, program manager for the Washington Anti-Trafficking Response Network and International Rescue Committee, will describe how her team locates, rescues and aids in the recovery of victims of trafficking.

Lt. Eric Sano of the Seattle Police Department's Vice, High Risk Victims' Unit and Human Trafficking Unit will be presenting with Morris, providing a law enforcement overview of both foreign human trafficking and domestic minor sex trafficking.

The two will conduct a discussion and a question-and-answer session following their presentations.

Morris and Sano will spend the following day training local law enforcement officials, including members of the police force, Border Patrol and Coast Guard in better enforcement of human trafficking laws.

Humanity on the block

Sequim Soroptimist president-elect Deborah Carlson says human trafficking is a growing issue, one that often goes unreported. "They've been brought to this country for the purpose of bettering their life, but they've just been tricked. While there are many "markets" for human beings, including coerced labor as housekeepers or nannies, the sex trade is the biggest-ticket item.

"About 77 percent is sex trafficking," Carlson said. "That's 66 percent women and 13 percent girls -

underaged girls."

Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world. In the United States, Portland, Ore., has the highest rates of human trafficking. Seattle is second.

The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call Carlson at 683-3219.