The local League of Women Voters is hosting a forum on the problem of human trafficking in Colorado on May 14, from noon until 3:30 p.m., at the First United Methodist Church, 515 North Park St., in Cortez.

Presenters include experts from the Colorado Organization of Victim Assistance (COVA), and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

“Human trafficking goes on here more than people realize,” said Sharon Hansen, of the League of Women Voters. “It is important that Colorado is up to speed on the issues surrounding these crimes.”

The presentations include Human Trafficking 101: What does it look like in Colorado; Victim Services; Victim Rights; and The Reality of Secondary Trauma.

“Victims can be anyone from around the world, or right in your backyard,” said Angelika Carnes,” a presenter from COVA. “We want to raise awareness to the different types going on in Colorado and the response system to both labor and sex trafficking.”

Holly Landgren and Jacque Shiflett, of Homeland Security’s Durango office, will discuss the differences between human trafficking and human smuggling. COVA trainer Ami Gerstner will give a class on the Victim’s Right Act.

For more information, call Eleanor Kuhl at (970) 564-0708.