Santa Maria Inn to host human trafficking conference April 4-18

Mar. 31—The Rotary Club has hosted two days of special presentations on human trafficking in the community, featuring local law enforcement officials, to be held at the Santa Maria Inn next month.

The presentations will take place on two separate days, April 4 and 18, and will include a dinner and question-and-answer sessions led by several presenters, including officials from the Santa Maria Police Department's Human Trafficking Division and the Santa Barbara County District. Prosecutor's Office.

Additionally, presenters will include the executive director of Casa of Hope, a local shelter for victims of human trafficking.

The U.S. Department of Justice has classified human trafficking as a crime “that involves the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or the sex trade.” The crime is further defined as a crime “induced by force, fraud or coercion” or a crime in which the victim has not reached the age of 18.

Additionally, human trafficking involves recruitment and transportation for the purposes of “involuntary servitude,” according to the law.

Presentations will take place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Santa Maria Inn, located at 801 S. Broadway.

The price per person for two days is $50, or $30 for one night, and includes dinner and dessert. Registration is required.

Places can be reserved at facebook.com/events/320018936852942. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Lisa Long at [email protected].