Local Events Planned for National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Island Sun Newspaper, Sanibel, FL   January 12, 1012

Theresa Flores is a survivor of human trafficking. While living in her affluent home in Michigan during the 1980’s, she was drugged and raped by an older classmate who then coerced her into the sex trade by threatening to show photos to her parents, principal, friends and priest. The abuse continued over 18 months until her family moved away.  Today she is a licensed social worker who works with victims of sex trafficking and domestic violence and speaks around the country about the ever increasing threat to young American girls who are now the group most targeted by traffickers in the United States. Her story has been featured in her book, “The Slave Across the Street” on MSNBC human trafficking specials and many other TV and radio shows and she has presented at national and international conferences.

Nola Theiss of Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships of Sanibel said about Theresa, “I was privileged to co-present with Theresa at a conference in Alabama last year so when the Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva wanted to sponsor events to build awareness of the crime, especially as it affects our own children, she immediately came to mind.”

 Theresa will be speaking on Sanibel and in Ft. Myers next week. The  Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva, Human Trafficking Awareness Partnerships (HTAP), Edison State College and a number of student groups have worked together to organize a number of events.

On January 19 at Edison State College, Building U, Room 102, Ms Flores will tell her story and talk about her work as a social worker and advocate for domestic minor sex trafficking victims. Local anti-human trafficking organizations will display information about SW Florida activities to prevent, prosecute and protect victims and build awareness at 6 pm and Ms. Flores will speak at 7 pm. There is no admission charge although contributions to organize future events are accepted.

On Sanibel, Ms. Flores will also be speaking at the Women Studies class at BIG Arts at 10 am in Shein Hall. Guests are invited for a $5.00 admission charge. There will be an opportunity to ask questions. Nola Theiss will present information about local efforts.

The Eileen Fisher Store on Sanibel is hosting a benefit on January 18. 10% of all proceeds go to HTAP. A presentation by HTAP will be made at 4 pm. Refreshments will be served.

The Zonta Club of Sanibel-Captiva will also host Ms. Flores at two Zonta events on Jan. 17 and Jan. 18. If you would like to attend these Zonta events and for further information about all events, please contact Nola Theiss at 239-395-2635 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .