“Gridshock” is a documentary that examines the hidden reality behind the sex trafficking demand in Iowa. The documentary and a panel discussion featuring community leaders will be held at the B.J. Haan Auditorium at Dordt University on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
“Gridshock” is a documentary that examines the hidden reality behind the sex trafficking demand in Iowa. The documentary and a panel discussion featuring community leaders will be held at the B.J. Haan Auditorium at Dordt University on Wednesday, April 17 at 7 p.m.
The panel discussion will include invited guests representing agencies such as the U.S. Attorney, Federal Bureau of Investigators (FBI), Sioux County Attorney, Centers against Abuse and Sexual Assault (CAASA), Family Crisis Center, and Whispers of Love, Hope, & Joy.
“The panel will feature individuals from a wide range of disciplines, including social work, crisis advocates, law enforcement, criminal prosecutors, and more,” says the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office, who are co-hosting the event with Dordt’s social work and criminal justice departments. “We are thankful to have a great working relationship with local advocacy services and other area partners to bring their expertise to this panel.”
Jon Moeller, professor of criminal justice, sees this as an opportunity to show the unique partnership that Dordt has with the criminal justice system and how “we get to be biblically obedient, relevant, and serving while addressing today’s issues in a fallen, sin-filled world.”
“We get to be biblically obedient, relevant, and serving while addressing today’s issues in a fallen, sin-filled world.”
Moeller points to Isaiah 1 and Psalm 82, which calls Christians to “give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office adds that it is important for Christians in Iowa to be aware of the sad reality and demand for trafficking in Iowa. “We are glad to bring this riveting documentary to both the college community and to Sioux County as a whole.”
“Gridshock” features the work of filmmaker Vanessa McNeal, who “sets out to explore the often-overlooked reality about why the sex trafficking industry thrives.” The “Gridshock” team created a 60 day, all-or-nothing campaign to fund production; a day before their official deadline, they reached their goal with the help of over 300 donors.
Since the content of “Gridshock” is sensitive and descriptive, the Sioux County Sheriff’s Office asks that individuals “use parental judgment if you want your child to attend. We strongly suggest your children to not attend alone, but instead accompanied by a parent or guardian and suggest high school juniors or seniors and older as the appropriate age group."
About Dordt University
As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Dordt, located in Sioux Center, Iowa, is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by U.S. News and World Report, Forbes.com, The Wall Street Journal, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.
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