Johnson County hosting training on combating human trafficking

IOWA CITY - The Johnson County Sexual Assault Response Team hosts a human trafficking training at the end of the month.

The organization - comprised of law enforcement, sexual assault nurse examiners, rape victim advocates, emergency room staff and prosecutors - is to conduct the training for police, medical personnel, advocates and first responders from across the state on March 31. The event is not open to the public.

Iowa City Police Sgt. Jorey Bailey said the idea behind the training is to bring together law enforcement, medical personnel and advocates to discuss issues relating to human trafficking, how to stop human trafficking and how to help the victims.

'Victims of this crime ... need services other than those of us who just help to solve those crimes or get them out from that situation,” Bailey said. 'We know that victims need advocacy. In many cases, they need medical attention. It's much larger than just law enforcement.”

Bailey said 275 participants from across the state are expected to attend. The training is provided with assistance from a grant given by the Iowa Attorney General's Office.

l Comments: (319) 398-8238; lee.hermiston@thegazette.com