Film tells true story of 13-year-old human trafficking victim | kens5.com | San Antonio News, Weather, Sports, Traffic, Entertainment, Video and Photos

human trafficking victim

by James Muñoz / KENS 5

Posted on April 8, 2010 at 3:18 PM

Updated yesterday at 7:12 PM



Film tells true story of 13-year-old human trafficking victim

In honor of National Crime Victims' Rights Week, The Esperanza Peace and Justice Center is trying to raise awareness about the issue of Human Trafficking.

"Svetlana's Journey" is a true story about a 13-year-old girl who was kidnapped and sold into sex slavery.

The Texas Rio Grande Legal Aid, Catholic Charities, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Bexar County Sheriff's Department will answer questions following the movie.

Right now, agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement have two ongoing cases of human trafficking.

Agents said it's just as important to educate the victims sold into sex slavery. For example, when a victim is rescued the priority is to protect them, support them and take them to safety, not prosecute them or deport them.

With two million victims sold into slavery each year, it's possible the victims are right in our neighborhood.

ICE Deputy Special Agent in Charge, Vincent Iglio said citizens should report suspicious situations.

"It could be someone in the neighborhood who just showed up, they're acting odd, they don't fit in, it looks like they're intimidated or held against their will," said Iglio. "And held against their will may be just a verbal threat, 'if you go to law enforcement, we'll tell them you're here illegally.' That's enough for us to pursue a trafficking violation."

"Svetlana's Journey" will be shown April 8 at 7 p.m. at the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center located at 922 San Pedro Avenue.


Film tells true story of 13-year-old human trafficking victim | kens5.com | San Antonio News, Weather, Sports, Traffic, Entertainment, Video and Photos