Presentation on human trafficking in DuPage

Every year, 15,000 to 24,000 people in the Chicago area become victims of human trafficking.

Of these, roughly 40 percent are younger than 18. Most are trafficked for sex, according to Frank Massolini of the Salvation Army.

"It horrifies me that some of my former students showed warning signs," said Melissa De La Paz, an English language learner/bilingual resource teacher at Stratford Middle School in Bloomingdale. "I wonder if I looked slavery in the face. I want to be better prepared."

To that end, De La Paz has organized the free educational presentation "The Facts: Human Trafficking in DuPage" from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Oct. 15, at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1244 W. Army Trail Road, Carol Stream. The presentation is open to the public.

"During the presentation, our co-sponsor, New Name Ministries, will share safety tips, safety tips for children, internet lures, and the warning signs of children who are at risk of being trafficked," said De La Paz.

In addition to the presentation, the event will include refreshments, a door prize, and the opportunity to purchase goods made by human trafficking victims available through Women at Risk International.

For details, call (630) 830-4833 or write to Melissa.Joy.DeLaPaz@gmail.com.