Palm Springs Unified Hosts Free Screening of 'Surviving Sex Trafficking' to Raise Awareness

The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is taking a powerful stand against human trafficking by hosting a free public screening of the documentary Surviving Sex Trafficking. The event, in partnership with the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, will take place Wednesday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Mary Pickford Theater.

The film follows the harrowing journeys of survivors as they confront their pasts and begin healing from the trauma of trafficking. After the screening, attendees will hear directly from survivors and experts during a panel discussion that includes voices from the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, including Denise Rodriguez-Bowman.

“This is a topic that hits home,” said Christine Flores, Family and Community Engagement Specialist for PSUSD. “It’s something that needs more awareness, and we should be having these hard conversations with our students and families.”

Rodriguez-Bowman emphasized that human trafficking isn’t a distant problem—it’s happening right here in the Coachella Valley, and victims can be as young as 12 years old. “These survivors look like you, me, your daughter, or your son,” she said. “We must learn to support them, not judge them.”

Palm Springs Unified is the first district in the region to bring this documentary to its students and families. The partnership with the task force aims to equip the community with tools to recognize warning signs, offer support, and ultimately prevent trafficking.

“We want to give our families the knowledge and confidence to protect their children and empower them to act,” said Flores.

Important Details:

• What: Surviving Sex Trafficking screening and panel

• When: Wednesday, 5–7 p.m.

• Where: Mary Pickford Theater, Cathedral City

• Who can attend: Adults 18+ and high school students accompanied by a parent or guardian

• Cost: Free

• Registration required: Link available at NBCPalmSprings.com