TOLEDO – Tama County Supporting Kids in Prevention (SKIP) will be hosting an informational meeting on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at the Wieting Theatre in Toledo beginning at 6 p.m. as part of the 2025 Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative which is scheduled for Jan. 13-17, 2025, this year in the U.S.

The first hour of the meeting will include a screening of “Gridshock,” a documentary about sex trafficking in Iowa, presented by Team Iowa. Detectives, law enforcement, safe house directors and victims themselves will be featured in the film. This is the only documentary regarding Iowa. Team Iowa has presented over 90 presentations so far in Iowa.

“Gridshock” was produced in 2019 by filmmaker Vanessa McNeal, a survivor of sexual violence.

Some don’t feel sex trafficking is happening in ‘our “neighborhoods,’ but it is, according to our evening’s featured speaker Stacy Besch.

“Iowa is No. 3 in the nation,” Besch said during a recent interview with KTIV. “It is the most underreported crime we have.”

According to the film’s website, McNeal set out “to explore the often overlooked reality about why the sex trafficking industry thrives. The truth is that sex trafficking wouldn’t exist without the unquenchable thirst and demand for it. On the quest to learn more, Vanessa discovers who the johns/buyers are and why there is a culture of impunity that hides and protects them. In this riveting and truly disturbing documentary what you think you know about sex trafficking will be challenged. What is hidden will come to light, even in a midwestern state like Iowa. The film features survivors of sex trafficking, local and federal law enforcement, advocates, politicians, and a recovering sex addict.”

For more information regarding “Gridshock,” refer to the website https://www.gridshockdocumentary.com/ or

https://www.ktiv.com/2024/11/21/gridshock-documentary-about-sex-trafficking-iowa/.

The second half of the Jan. 16 presentation in Toledo will feature and discussion and speaker Besch.

Free popcorn and drinks will be provided.

If you have any questions or would like to become a member of the Supporting Kids in Prevention Coalition, please contact Tama County Public Health & Home Care.