Chains Interuppted

By: Annemarie Darr

A recently opened facility to help area women victimized by human trafficking held a fundraiser last week. Chains Interrupted and St. Luke’s Hospital held the fundraiser on January 22nd at a Cedar Rapids Pizza Ranch.

While it’s difficult to get statistics on underground criminal enterprises, experts say Iowa is a hotspot for human trafficking, with 52 cases reported in the past year.

“Human trafficking in the United States is the second leading illegal way to raise money, with drug trafficking being the first,” said Marilyn Gerhold, an emergency department social worker at Saint Luke’s. 

Gerhold says the transition houses look for more help everyday through donations. 

“Anything from volunteering, holding fundraisers, or just speaking up about it can help,” Gerhold said. “I got involved working through Stop Abuse for Everyone and working in the emergency department at Saint Luke’s. I’ve worked closely with victims and they really need someone to be an advocate for them. Sometimes it’s about going above and beyond.” 

Fundraising organizers shared information about how to spot signs that someone might be a victim of human trafficking, including the presence of bruises and wounds, scars, malnourishment, or being disoriented or being submissive.

“I never knew how common human trafficking was. I’ve seen it in the news here and there but it’s nothing compared to how bad it really is,” said Askew.

To get more involved in the cause you can go on Chains Interrupted website, https://www.chainsinterrupted.com or contact them by phone at 319-369-4415 to volunteer. 

Pictured above: A handout describing steps to take to avoid the dangers of human trafficking.