The Innocence Mission Presents the Groundbreaking Documentary Film “Playground” and Panel Discussion Featuring National and Local Experts on Child Sex Trafficking

May 25, 2010

Orange County, CA – The Innocence Mission, a non-profit organization dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse, is sponsoring a screening of the groundbreaking documentary film “Playground.” The film addresses the pressing issue of human trafficking and sex slavery–not in a foreign country, but right here in our communities, including Orange County.

“This is a daunting and disturbing topic, but it is one that we must confront,” said Elaina Kroll, Founder and CEO of The Innocence Mission. “We need to understand the scope of the problem, and work with our community leaders and with law enforcement to end it.”

Following the screening there will be a panel discussion featuring nationally known experts who have experience directly relating to the problem of child sex trafficking. Panelists include Sandie Morgan and Westminster Police Lt. Derek Marsh, co-directors of the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force; noted author/commentator and former Los Angeles sex crimes prosecutor Robin Sax; and Anthony Arismendi, former Chief of the FBI’s National Criminal Investigative Division in Washington, D.C.

Experts and activists alike are expressing their praise for the documentary and its potential for prompting public and political action. “Playground is the best film I’ve seen on the abuse and exploitation of children,” said Professor Zoe Trodd of Harvard University. “This is the untold story of an American underworld.”

Veteran journalist Dan Rather recently completed his own investigation into child sex trafficking, and has written that in his 60 years of reporting national and international news, “few stories shock me anymore. But this is one of them.” Elaina Kroll recently spoke with Rather on the issue, and thanked him for shining a light on the problem. “Mr. Rather understands that the situation has reached the crisis point, and along with “Playground,” his reporting is helping to alert the public to the problem.”

DETAILS:
UC Irvine – Doheny A
June 1, 2010 5:30 – 9:00 p.m.

Registration information, as well as a video of the documentary’s trailer, are available online:
http://theinnocencemission.org/events_playground.html

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force
Robin Sax
Dan Rather Reports: “Pornland, Oregon”