Second Life of Chattanooga will host the screening of The Candy Shop, a film about the sex trafficking of children, on Friday, at 7 p.m. The movie will be shown at the Lee University Church Street Annex at 340 Church St. NE in Cleveland, and will be followed by a panel question-and-answer session featuring government, law enforcement, and trafficking advocacy experts. Admission is free.
“So often, people don’t realize that human trafficking happens right here,” said Jerry Redman, Second Life managing senior partner. “This compelling film creatively and powerfully depicts just how prevalent the problem of human trafficking is in our very own neighborhoods.”
Scheduled panel members include Tennessee State Representative Eric Watson, Chair of the House Judiciary Committee; Carmen Hudson from Partnership for Families, Children and Adults; Terri Self, Second Life Senior Partner; and Mr. Redman.
“We are grateful to Lee University’s Residential Life and House Office and Student Leadership Council for co-sponsoring this event,” said Terri Self, Second Life senior partner. “We hope it will raise awareness and encourage action.”
According to the U.S. Department of Justice, a child is trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation every two minutes within the United States.
Second Life of Chattanooga is a non-profit organization dedicated to ending human trafficking in the greater Chattanooga area. Through partnerships with other community organizations, Second Life works to champion hope and justice for the 300,000 children at risk for sexual exploitation and slavery in the United States annually. For more information and involvement opportunities, visit www.secondlifechattanooga.org.