Manistique High School screens the trafficking-awareness film "Ring the Silence" for free on Wednesday, Sept. 23, at 5:30 p.m. A Q&A panel with the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force follows the screening.
The task force and the Greater Federation of Women's Clubs Manistique organized the event, first reported by WLUC. Event chair Kathy Pazienza said Michigan ranks sixth in the nation for human trafficking.
The film tells the story of children caught up in sex trafficking in the Flint-Grand Blanc-Fenton area of Genesee County. It was written and directed by Nicole Bowers Wallace and follows a 17-year-old girl who falls into sex trafficking, according to Mid-Michigan NOW.
Task force president Jessica DeMay, who leads the Q&A panel, has a personal stake in the cause. DeMay is the stepmother of Jordan DeMay, a 17-year-old Marquette High School student who died by suicide in March 2022 after being sextorted on Instagram by scammers based in Nigeria, according to ESPN. Jordan was targeted and died within hours of first contact.
DeMay told WLUC the best way to protect children is to keep them off the internet entirely, especially platforms like Roblox, Minecraft and Discord. When full restriction is not possible, she recommends close supervision. She said she only lets her daughters use some things on her own phone.
DeMay said online predators will use every threat imaginable to keep victims silent. She urged families to remember: "All of that can be dealt with, all of it."
She also stressed open conversations with children about online dangers and making clear that kids can come to a parent with any problem.
The task force held a similar screening in Marquette in January, according to the Keweenaw Report. No additional U.P. screenings have been announced.
Upcoming
- Wednesday, Sept. 23, 5:30 p.m. — Free screening of "Ring the Silence" at Manistique High School, followed by a Q&A with the U.P. Human Trafficking Task Force. Open to the public.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
