Joseph Mettimano, Public Policy and Advocacy Director, Available for Comment

Contact:  Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz, World Vision, 202-615-2608, gryerson@worldvision.org

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22 /Christian Newswire/ -- World Vision's expert on human trafficking and exploitation issues says the film "Amazing Grace," which opens Friday, Feb. 23, has the potential to catalyze a movement to stop slavery that still exists today.

"Amazing Grace" traces the decades-long struggle of abolitionist William Wilberforce to end the African slave trade in the British Empire. It is an inspiring account of the political, spiritual, and personal struggles of the abolitionist movement, and the defining moments in Wilberforce's life that compelled him to advocate for those suffering under slavery.

The film may have the power to encourage similar efforts today, according to Joe Mettimano, World Vision's director of public policy and a leading advocate on child exploitation issues. First, people must become aware that the barbaric trade in human lives continues, and also about how ordinary citizens can work to put an end to it.

"When we think of slavery, we often fail to see that millions of children and women are systematically exploited in the commercial sex trade and domestic or bonded labor, many of them trafficked across borders," Mettimano says. "These present-day activities still enslave many vulnerable people around the world, fueling what is estimated to be a multi-billion-dollar business."

As many as 800,000 people -- mostly women and girls -- are trafficked each year, according to U.S. State Department figures. Some estimates are even higher. More than two million children are abused in the commercial sex trade. World Vision, a child-focused humanitarian organization that works in nearly 100 countries, has a variety of programs to protect and aid children and other vulnerable people.

Mettimano, based in Washington, D.C., is available for interviews surrounding the release of the movie and The Amazing Change advocacy campaign, in which World Vision is an active member. He can speak to the following issues:

• Recent legislative victories in the battle against human trafficking, slavery and child sex tourism;
  
  
• What progress is needed next to combat trafficking and other forms of slavery;
  
  
• What organizations like World Vision are doing to help and protect the vulnerable;
  
  
• Enhanced efforts to deter and prosecute American perpetrators;
  
  
• How ordinary citizens can become involved in helping to stop the trade in lives.

To schedule an interview with Mr. Mettimano, please contact Geraldine Ryerson-Cruz at 202-615-2608 (mobile) or gryerson@worldvision.org

World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve all people, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender. For more information, please visit www.worldvision.org.