The illegal trade and forced labor of human beings occurs everywhere, and a University of Louisville student group plans an Oct. 17 event focusing on this modern-day slavery issue.

Cards 4 Freedom, an anti-human trafficking organization, is offering the free, public symposium “Fighting Sexual Exploitation in the Community” from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in Ekstrom Library’s Chao Auditorium.

Social justice activist Rachel Durchslag, executive director and founder of the Chicago Alliance Against Sexual Exploitation, will talk about “Deconstructing the Demand for Prostitution” and is expected to discuss how sexual exploitation occurs and how communities can prevent and combat the problem. Her organization works to end exploitation through means such as litigation, advocacy, policy reform and prevention.

UofL justice administration faculty members Theresa Hayden and Geetha Suresh will join Rus Funk, executive director of the Louisville-based MensWork anti-violence organization, in a panel discussion about local human trafficking, causes and potential solutions.

Cards 4 Freedom students also will give a presentation on “Asian Massage Parlors: Local High-risk Human Trafficking Venues.”