By Jess Oaks
joaks@torringtontelegra.com
GOSHEN COUNTY – According to a recent press release, a series of UPRISING human trafficking classes will be held at Eastern Wyoming College (EWC) in Torrington.
The first section of classes, Human Trafficking for Professionals and First Responders, will begin on Tuesday, January 28 and it is offered from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the EWC Tebbet Building Room 131 and the second class, Human and Social Trafficking 101, will be held Tuesday from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the same location.
The classes are free for the community to attend with special thanks to EWC, Go Goshen and Wyoming Workforce Service. Members of the Goshen County Task Force on Family Violence and Sexual Assault will also be participating in the educational experience.
According to Bess Carnahan with the task force, Wyoming is a player in human trafficking crimes.
“It is the most underreported crime. True, Wyoming does not have the population centers of other states, but the I-70 and I-25 corridors are major conduits for human trafficking according to UPRISING, an organization dedicated to stopping the crime. The majority of victims are females with over 50% of cases involving underage minors. Undocumented residents are also prime targets,” Carnahan explained. “UPRISING and EWC have partnered to bring awareness to Goshen County. On January 28, classes will be offered free of charge at Eastern Wyoming College, Tebbet Building Room 131.”
Carnahan notes, local trends will also be evaluated during one of the classes.
“The presentations are open to the public as well as professionals and cover the crimes through real-life cases. Local trends and cases will be included in the Human & Social Trafficking 101 class. This class will also explore the influence of social media and other internet platforms and their part in trafficking,” Carnahan said. “Registration is not required. More information is available through INFO@UPRISINGWYO.ORG.”