The public is invited and encouraged to attend a free, three-day conference that aims to raise awareness about human trafficking. The conference will take place May 22-24, 2017 at Montana State University Billings (MSUB).

Human trafficking, often referred to as modern-day slavery, is a widespread problem across the nation, in Montana’s urban centers, and in the state’s rural areas. In our own communities, youth and adults are being taken across state lines and forced to engage in commercial sexual activity. Local students are becoming involved in “survival trafficking,” exchanging sex for drugs or food and money. Foreign citizens are also being brought to Montana, compelled to work through force or coercion.

The conference will shed light on the trafficking problem and highlight efforts to fight traffickers. The community will also learn how to protect our children from trafficking and about resources available to victims.

In addition to the public track, there will also be separate training sessions for members of law enforcement.

The conference is being hosted by the Yellowstone County Area Human Trafficking Task Force, composed of approximately 200 members from the community and more than 50 partner agencies.

Conference sponsors include: the FBI, the U.S. Department of Justice, The Montana Department of Justice, the Billings Police Department, Tumbleweed, the Children’s Alliance of Montana, DeliverFund, MSUB, and the MUSB Foundation.