Movie poster via Northern Michigan University.

ESCANABA — Local sponsors and co-hosts extend an open invite to the public, encouraging parents and teens to watch a film about human trafficking, entitled “Ring of Silence,” which is is based on real events that happened to high-schoolers in Michigan. The free event will take place at Bay College in Escanaba on Tuesday, March 24. A free food reception kicks off at 5:30 p.m. with movie showtime at 6:00 p.m.

Human trafficking — exploitation for profit — happens online, at schools, at local sporting events, and even in neighborhoods at parties. Traffickers target the most vulnerable people, especially teens. Predators lurk online, waiting for the right time to come in a pose as a friend. However, their intentions are nefarious. They are professional cons whom anybody can fall prey to.

“Ring of Silence” is based on events that happened to teens in a Michigan high school. This film is rated for PG-13 audiences. It is meant to convey to youth that the perpetrators look like attractive young men and women in their school, like the kid on Instagram or Snapchat, or even like the guy next door.

Pregnancy Services of Delta County, which offers free and confidential services to women experiencing an unplanned pregnancy or individuals seeking parenting skills to enhance their parental abilities, is serving as this year’s co-host for the event.

“Pregnancy Services of Delta County is committed to helping families in our community fight against this heinous crime,” read a recent press release.

Jamie Fisher, Executive Director of Pregnancy Services of Delta County, felt a strong calling to join forces with the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force, having seen firsthand the devastating impact of sex trafficking on clients who’ve summoned the strength to seek help.

“The misconception that our peaceful and quiet community is safe from sex trafficking needs to be replaced with awareness and action – it’s present, and our children are being victimized,” said Fisher. “Together, let’s educate ourselves and our kids about the signs, enabling them to shield themselves, their families, and others.”

Generously sponsored by the Bay De Noc and The Heart of The North Lion Clubs, a panel of local experts will hold a question-and-answer session immediately following the movie with Jessica DeMay, stepmother to son Jordyn DeMay, who was sextorted in a manner that ultimately led to the teen’s early and tragic death by suicide. Other panelists include advocates from Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center, Delta County Central Dispatch, Escanaba Public Safety, Kingsford Public Safety, MSP, and Northpointe Behavioral Health Services. Counselors and HOPE crisis therapy dogs will be there in support of this sensitive but important public event.

Pregnancy Services of Delta County organizers along with generous support from Bay De Noc Lions Club, and The Heart of the North Lions Club offer free admission and ask that families plan to come together and learn.

“Together, as a community, we can work to prevent these things from happening and keep each other safe,” the release states.

Tuesday’s viewing will be in the Besse Center Theater at Bay College, 2001 N. Lincoln Rd in Escanaba.

To learn more about human trafficking in the U.P. and how to help, people may look to the Upper Peninsula Human Trafficking Task Force for guidance. Anyone in need of support or with a tip may contact a 24-hour confidential helpline by call or text at 906-299-9243 or send an email to unite@upht123.org.