Kean University screening film to raise awareness of human trafficking

By Christine Moukazis

Kean University is joining the statewide effort in raising awareness of human trafficking leading up to the 2014 Super Bowl, which will take place in East Rutherford, NJ.

In partnership with Union County College, the university is hosting the screening of “Sex+Money: A National Search for Human Worth” on Monday, Oct. 21, at 6:30 p.m. in Kean University’s Little Theater.

After the screening, a discussion of the film will be led by a panel of community leaders. Among those in attendance will be Union County Freeholder Bette Jane Kowalski.

“Kean University prides itself in preparing students to think critically and globally as agents for change and improvement in their rights of women and children who fall victim to the horrifics of human trafficking,” said Elisha Nixon, an associate professor of health education at Kean. “Needless to say, the promotion of education and activities, such as the screening of ‘Sex+Money’, are of vital importance as this film contributes to the goal of eradication of human trafficking and helps prepare Kean students to serve as contributing members of their communities both here and abroad.”

The Super Bowl will draw an influx of people into N.J., increasing the state’s vulnerability to human trafficking.

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, human trafficking is a demand-
driven criminal industry. Any event that draws a large crowd, like the Super Bowl, can mean an increase in demand.

Where there is demand, there will be supply; so, human traffickers and pimps bring victims to these events because there is potential money to be made.

NCMEC stresses that although events of this size bring to light the issue of sex trafficking because it can be heightened during that time, it is important to remember that human trafficking is an ongoing crime that takes place in smalls towns, big cities every day.

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