TRIANGLE, Va. – On Saturday, August 17, 2013, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Triangle, Va., will present a free screening of Not My Life, the internationally acclaimed documentary film that depicts the horrifying and dangerous practices of human trafficking and modern slavery on a global, national, and local scale. The film is by Robert Bilheimer, and narrated by Glenn Close, both Academy Award nominees. The showing will take place at 6:30 p.m. in the parish’s Dining Hall.
In addition to the screening, representatives from Polaris Project and ACTS SAVAS will be in attendance. Polaris Project is a leader in the global fight against human trafficking – and the organization that operates the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline 1-888-373-7888. ACTS SAVAS is the only sexual assault crisis center serving Prince William County and the cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
“Following our awareness presentations last May, this screening is the next step in our commitment to bringing continued awareness, action and advocacy around the issue of human trafficking,” said Fr. Kevin Downey, O.F.M., pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Parish. “But this event is about more than just viewing a powerful documentary, because after it’s over, our guests from Polaris Project and ACTS SAVAS will provide us with ways that we can immediately take action.”
The United Nations defines human trafficking as the “recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation shall include, at a minimum, the exploitation of the prostitution of others or other forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor or services, slavery or practices similar to slavery, servitude or the removal of organs.”
Statistics show that more than 27 million people in more than 161 countries are victims of human trafficking. Two hundred thousand of these are in the United States alone. Fifty percent of victims are children. Every two minutes, 14 people fall victim to this crime. Sex trafficking and forced labor are the most common forms of trafficking in the United States. Prince William County, Fairfax and Loudon are among Northern Virginia counties that have or are establishing Anti-Human Trafficking Alliances or Task Forces.
The event is sponsored by the parish’s Human Trafficking Committee and Franciscan Action and Advocacy Council.
For more information on Worldwide Documentaries’ Not My Life, visit notmylife.org.
St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church is part of the Diocese of Arlington and was established in 1957. For more information, contact the parish office at 703-221-4044.
Recent Stories
Manassas residents face higher tax bills and utility costs under a proposed city budget. Plus, Virginia’s newest congressmen are set to speak in Manassas, a Stafford supervisor calls for a public apology, and Buc-ee’s remains the most-read story on Potomac Local.
MANASSAS, Va. — Bill Reeder, the founding dean of George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), died over the weekend after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was surrounded by family in hospice care, according to a message shared by current Dean Rick Davis.
Spotsylvania County, Va. — Authorities have identified the third person killed in a shooting last week in Spotsylvania County as 19-year-old Sincere Devon Fitz of Spotsylvania. Fitz was among three people who died following gunfire in the area of Olde Greenwich Circle on Tuesday, April 8, 2025.
Thinking about upgrading your kitchen? Before you swing that first sledgehammer or start picking out tile samples, there are a few essential things every homeowner should know. A kitchen renovation can increase your home’s value, improve daily functionality, and even inspire your inner chef—but only if you plan it right.
Inspired by local physicians who were among the nation’s first to adopt the concierge medicine model, Northern Virginia is now a hub for its surging popularity. These leading physicians are redefining the patient experience with same-day appointments, direct availability, unhurried visits, and deeply personalized care:
After almost 40 years in practice, Manassas-based Internist John Cary, MD’s change to concierge medicine enabled focused attention for each individual, and the launch of his innovative diet program for those with type 2 diabetes. “The goal is to promote enough weight loss to reach an acceptable A1C of 6% with no medication,” he explains. “Achieving that can take several months of very close follow up. As I tell my patients, we are in this together.”
Jay Tyroler, MD considers his patients quite literally as family. “I believe there’s nothing more honorable than helping patients when they’re sick, or scared, or feeling vulnerable, and I care for them exactly as I would my loved ones.” Whether for a specialist referral, urgent health issue or ongoing follow up, “My patients know I’m always just a phone call away.”
Get More from your Fitness with IM=X® Pilates & Fitness King Farm!
Help us Celebrate our 5 Year Anniversary by joining our OPEN HOUSE
When: April 27th 11:45AM
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Van Metre 5K Run
Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has
