The National Human Trafficking Hotline cites more than 36,270 cases of human trafficking reported since December 2007. In 2017, 50 of those reports came from Indiana. Worldwide, sex trafficking is a $99 billion dollar industry, with more than 1 million children exploited annually, as reported by USA Today in conjunction with its series on the topic.
Contributing to that series is award-winning journalist, Tim Swarens, who spent a year investigating this issue through a grant from the Society of Professional Journalists. His work took him to eight countries on five continents, the research of which is being published in a series of columns in both USA Today and The Indianapolis Star.
Additionally, Swarens brings his research to Hamilton County in a special presentation on March 13 at Hamilton North Public Library – Cicero. This Tuesdays with Friends program offered by the Friends of the Library organization begins at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public. “Human Trafficking: Exploited” follows up Swarens’ October program and published news articles, but prior attendance is not necessary. As part of the program, Swarens will answer questions from the audience.
The 2016 recipient of the Eugene C. Pulliam Fellowship for Editorial Writing, Swarens has been the opinion editor for The Indianapolis Star since 2003 and a leader in the Our Children initiative, which awarded $180,000 in grants during 2017 benefitting children throughout Indianapolis.
“Human Trafficking: Exploited” runs from 6:30 to 7:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 13 at HNPL – Cicero, 209 W. Brinton St. The general public is encouraged to hear Swarens’ presentation.