slavery * CHILD exploitation * prostitution * worker exploitation *runaways
Human Trafficking and Sex Trafficking
PREVENTION * SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS * LEGAL SUPPORT
A Voice for the Innocent
A Voice For The Innocent is a safe, anonymous online community of support for victims of rape and sex abuse.
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Personal Consequences of Sex Industry Work Facts:
* Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widespread in the sex industry
* PTSD is usually attributed to childhood abuse and/or sex industry-related
* A substantial number of these women are homeless, single mothers of multiple children, under-educated, and medically uninsured; have a high rate of untreated health-related problems; and often have legal problems* Women involved in the adult sex industry who have experienced trauma often feel shattered and hopeless
* Some escape the lifestyle, yet with limited resources, many find themselves “trapped” in the business
* Many have been attacked, exploited, and humiliated; mind-altering substances often are sought to temporarily mollify the physical and emotional pain
* The most prevalent mental health symptoms are in the mood and anxiety spectrums, but are often coupled with addiction to substances
Source: Anklesaria A, Gentile JP. Psychotherapy with Women Who Have Worked in the “Sex Industry.” Innovations in Clinical Neuroscience. 2012;9(10):27-33..
Human Trafficking/Sex Trafficking
* Prevention * Support for Survivors * Legal Support
It is estimated that the business of Human Trafficking exceeds $150 billion annually, $99 billion coming from the sex trafficking industry alone. It is second largest and fastest growing illegal business in the world.
Source: PEHT – Partnership To End Human Trafficking (Connecticut & New York)
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center estimates 70 percent of human trafficking incidents occur at truck stops where predatory pimps make contact with desperate girls running from intolerable home lives, thus beginning the journey into human sex bondage.
Interstate 95 is the key piece of geography for initial contact, connecting such major cities as Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, and points south. Along I95 are the rest stops, truck stops, and bus stations that are prime locations for exploitation.
We all need to do everything we can do to
PREVENT & STOP Trafficking!
Education + Awareness = PREVENTION!!!
Learn how to recognize the signs of human/sex trafficking!
Be more aware!
Look around your own neighborhood, when you’re out dining & shopping, and traveling!
Call 911 – Don’t try to intervene if you are witnessing a crime in progress.
Report suspicious activity to
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE
1-888-373-7888 | TEXT 233-733
https://www.humantraffickinghotline.org
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE – INSPECTOR GENERAL HOTLINE
1-800-424-9098
<<<<< >>>>>
Truckers Against Trafficking • TRUCKERS AGAINST TRAFFICKING
What We Do • TRUCKERS AGAINST TRAFFICKING
Truckers Against Trafficking is committed to utilizing industry overlaps
to ensure that every truck driver in America is TAT trained.
If you know anyone in the trucking industry, busing industry (commercial and school),
or a ride-share driver, please share this with them!
About Truckers Against Trafficking
Modern-day slavery, or human trafficking exists whenever people are bought and sold for forced labor or commercial sex. Around the world, it is estimated that there are over 40 million slaves today. Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states, and the number of victims in the United States is estimated in the hundreds of thousands.
While illegal, human trafficking is a booming business. Traffickers recruit out of our schools, online, in shopping malls, as well as the streets and other locations. A large percentage of the people trafficked are women and children. Many of them are used in the sex industry. They are the prostituted people on the street and in private homes, and in legitimate businesses such as restaurants, truck stops and motels. They need to be identified and recovered.
You Can Make a Difference
This is where you come in! Truckers Against Trafficking recognizes that members of the trucking, bus and energy industries are invaluable in the fight against this heinous crime.
As the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways, you are in a unique position to make a difference and close loopholes to traffickers who seek to exploit our transportation system for their personal gain. This site has been created to inform members of the trucking, bus and energy industries, and other travelers of the basic issues involved in human trafficking and a summary of ways you can help. We invite you to travel through this website and learn how you can join this worthy cause and save lives.
From Wikipedia: In one successful execution of TAT training, a truck driver called 9-1-1 after suspecting human trafficking in a particular situation, and his phone call precipitated the arrest and subsequent conviction of 31 traffickers, the release of nine people from the sex industry, and the fall of an organized crime ring that had been active in 13 U.S. states.[13]
AND THIS WAS JUST ONE PERSON. . .
RED FLAGS
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to control their victims. Any minor engaged in commercial sex is a victim of human trafficking. While the initial purchase of victims may occur online, the real-time sale of victims can happen in many locations, including truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, hotels/motels, strip clubs, private homes, etc.
Professional drivers are the eyes and ears of our nation’s highways. If you see a minor working any of those areas or suspect that the person selling sex is under someone else’s control in order to make a quota, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline and report a tip. If you are witnessing a crime in progress, please call 911.
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE
1-888-373-7888 | TEXT 233-733
https://www.humantraffickinghotline.org
DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE – INSPECTOR GENERAL HOTLINE
1-800-424-9098
Continue Reading Truckers Against Trafficking • TRUCKERS AGAINST TRAFFICKING
Click Here to Learn More about Red Flags (that everyone should learn to recognize)
Please share the Truckers Against Trafficking Training Video (“Shari”) below.
Understanding Child Sexual Abuse
What is Child Sexual Abuse?
How Common is Child Sexual Abuse?
Where Can Child Sexual Abuse Happen?
Signs of Child Sexual Abuse
Preventing Child Sexual Abuse
Long Term Consequences of Child Sexual Abuse
What To Do if You or Someone You Know Has Experienced Child Sexual Abuse
Statute of Limitations for Child Sexual Abuse Survivors
END SLAVERY NOW Antislavery Directory
Organizations in the U.S. and around the world where you can get involved in the fight against modern-day slavery and human trafficking.
Advocates report a growing trend of traffickers using online social media platforms to recruit and advertise targets of human trafficking.
Source: United States Department of State
Jeffrey Epstein trafficked underage girls for 25 years, and he’s the most prolific American child trafficker ever acknowledged by law enforcement. The media has sanitized the Epstein trafficking network by ostensibly determining that the youngest Epstein victims were 14 years old, even though multiple accounts state that they were as young as 11 or 12 years old.
Epstein’s victims have courageously sought justice through civil litigation, but should the demand for justice fall solely on the shoulders of Epstein’s victims? No! And you can help. Please sign our Petition that is supported by seven Jeffrey Epstein victims, 40 anti-trafficking organizations and thousands of concerned citizens, demanding that the procurers and perpetrators in the Epstein trafficking network be brought to justice.
As a country dedicated to children’s safety, we must make a stand and pressure the government to bring the Epstein procurers and perpetrators to justice. We cannot send a message to the world that perpetrators in America who have wealth and power can molest our children with impunity. And if we allow the Justice Department to be apathetic and unresponsive to victims in a proven trafficking case, that sends a message to millions of victims that they have no voice and no hope for justice. Victims in the United States and around the world need to see that these child molesters are brought to justice.
“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter,” said Martin Luther King, Jr.
Source: epsteinjustice.org
A Safe Place
HOTLINE 855-723-7529
PO Box 1271 | Wrightsville Beach, NC 28480 | 855-723-7529 ext 3 | info@asafeplacetogo.com
Empowering Girls and Young Women
We are focused on prevention, advocacy, and restoration to assist victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking.
A Safe Place in Wilmington, NC also has 1-hour training online, entitled “Online Predators, Trafficking and Social Media” – available virtually in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
Someone from the FBI and the DA’s office is usually involved.
Please contact dawn@asafeplacetogo.com or 910-233-8612.
Click Here to read “A Parent’s Guide: Teen Acronyms, Emojis, Hashtags and Slang and Online Safety Guidelines“
We believe in providing a safe place for victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking. To us, this means not only meeting the physical needs of survivors, like housing and clothing, but it also means a place where girls and young women can get medical counseling, mental health services, occupational training and more.
At A Safe Place, we also provide training and education to our community in order to raise awareness about sex trafficking and to ensure that victims get connected to programs and people who can help them.
We partner with organizations and companies in our community and build relationships with law enforcement because the work that we do is only possible with a holistic approach and a genuine understanding of the signs of sex trafficking in our city.
A Safe Place is a 501(c)3 organization located in Wilmington, NC.
Our Vision
To create a world free from commercial exploitation and human trafficking through community partnerships, empowerment, and opportunity.
Our Mission
To be an empowerment organization for young women and girls focused on prevention, advocacy, and restoration to assist victims of commercial sexual exploitation and domestic sex trafficking.
10 Ways You Can Help End Trafficking
10 Ways You Can Help End Trafficking | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)
- Know the Signs: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs
- Report a Tip: National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Spread the Word: Share and display HHS Look Beneath the Surface and DHS Blue Campaign Visit disclaimer page awareness resources in your community. Let everyone know that the National Human Trafficking Hotline Visit disclaimer page is here to help.
- Think Before You Shop: Consider how you shop Visit disclaimer page and eat Visit disclaimer page . Who made your clothes? Who prepared your food? Calculate your Slavery Footprint Visit disclaimer page , and know which goods may be produced by child or forced labor Visit disclaimer page .
- Tell Your Friends: The U.S. Government has zero tolerance policies for employees, uniformed service members, and contractors paying for sex. Learn more about the Federal Acquisition Regulations and human trafficking Visit disclaimer page .
- Volunteer Locally: Ask anti-trafficking organizations in your community Visit disclaimer page how you can support them. Perhaps they need volunteers or you could help with an awareness event.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for DOJ human trafficking news alerts Visit disclaimer page , follow relevant organizations on social media, read reports as they are released, or check out OTIP’s newsfeed.
- Register for Training: OTIP’s National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center trains public health professionals and the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center Visit disclaimer page supports the criminal justice system.
- Use Your Skills: Can you train or hire survivors? Reach out to potential local partners Visit disclaimer page . Do you work in a school? Propose anti-trafficking protocols Visit disclaimer page . Are you an attorney? Offer pro-bono services Visit disclaimer page . Writing a story? Use media best practices Visit disclaimer page . Work in hospitals or clinics? Encourage your colleagues to register for the SOAR to Health and Wellness training.
- Raise Your Voice: Ask representatives Visit disclaimer page how they are addressing human trafficking. Let them know what your community needs.
DID YOU KNOW. . .
Law authorities have led sting operations in connection with Super Bowl games. During the Super Bowl XLVIII, authorities arrested 45 pimps and rescued 25 child victims of human trafficking. During Super Bowl XLIX, authorities led a sting operation called National Day of Johns and arrested almost 600 people and rescued 68 victims. Publicity surrounding the Super Bowl provides opportunities for public awareness of sex trafficking. (Source: Wikipedia)
Safe Harbor laws protect victims of human trafficking…
…from legal prosecution of crimes committed while under the influence of the trafficker and provide services such as counseling and housing and protect them from their exploiters.
Victims of trafficking are protected under federal law, but may still be charged under state law.
The federal Stop Exploitation Through Trafficking Act of 2013 is a law that encourages states to pass safe harbor laws. It elevated the status of the National Human Trafficking Hotline and opened up the Job Corps program to sex trafficking victims. (Source: Wikipedia)
You may be able to file a civil Human Trafficking Lawsuit
…against businesses or institutions that should have been aware of the crime taking place on their property.
In an effort to crackdown on human trafficking, the government introduced the Trafficking Victim Protection Act of 2000 which gave survivors of human trafficking the ability to file civil lawsuits against parties that profited off of their trafficking.
Through their negligent actions, these businesses may have allowed these crimes to continue and in some cases could have been complicit in the crimes themselves.
Common examples of parties that may be considered liable for the damages suffered on their premises because of human trafficking include:
- Hotels/Motels
- Farms/Agriculture companies
- Massage businesses
- Casinos
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants
- Truck stops
- Theme parks
- Cruise ships
- Resorts
- Apartment complexes
Human trafficking can take place on the premises of these businesses right under the noses of those that operate the business as well as patrons.
While businesses are not always expected to be completely omniscient regarding what happens on their property, they are expected to exercise a certain degree of awareness when it comes to signs of human trafficking which many businesses negligently fail to act on or even recognize.
There are many new laws that mandate training for staff in the hospitality industry for recognizing signs of human trafficking that many businesses fail to provide which can make them liable.
Businesses may not always be direct participants but turning a blind eye and claiming ignorance is a defense strategy human trafficking lawyers encounter when filing lawsuits against these businesses.
Source: https://www.dolmanlaw.com/how-human-trafficking-lawsuits/
“We believe in a world free from sexual abuse and exploitation, so we work every day to build that world.”
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (“NCOSE”) has joined the Levin Law Firm to help lead the fight against human trafficking by supporting our clients’ claims that the hotel industry profits off the backs of victims by facilitating sex trafficking and prostitution on their properties. NCOSE has joined our law firm in filing lawsuits against hotel chains like Wyndham to help bring justice to survivors and to further the organization’s mission to hold corporations accountable for contributing to sexual exploitation. https://www.levinlaw.com/human-trafficking-lawsuit
World Without Exploitation (“World WE”) aims to put an end to modern-day slavery through education and outreach to provide help and resources for victims. Levin Papantonio has taken an important survivor-centered approach to combat human trafficking and has teamed up with several advocacy groups such as the National Center on Sexual Exploitation and World Without Exploitation.
Click to watch VIDEOS which include:
- Predators Targeting Minors With Dating Apps & Combating Hotels Profiting From Human Trafficking
- Banks Are Working With Law Enforcement As Human Trafficking Watchdog
- Judge Says Facebook Not Immune For Role In Human Trafficking
Source: Levin Law Firm
Many people have been affected by pornography, sexual abuse, sex trafficking and more either directly or through those they love and care about. Here are Resources to help understand the issues, and with both Prevention and Recovery efforts. (Survivor Resources, Prevention and Recovery, Ally Resources, Press Resources). Click Here for NCOSE Resources.
The Dirty Dozen List is an annual campaign calling out 12 mainstream entities for facilitating or profiting from sexual abuse and exploitation. Since its inception in 2013, the Dirty Dozen List has galvanized 1000’s of individuals like YOU to call on corporations, government agencies, and organizations to change specific policies to instead promote human dignity. This campaign has yielded major victories, including significant changes at Google, Netflix, TikTok, Hilton Worldwide, Verizon, Walmart, US Department of Defense, and many more. (Source: National Center on Sexual Exploitation)
The 2021 Dirty Dozen List Revealed
In 2021, mainstream corporations and entities must be held accountable for facilitating, profiting from, or normalizing sexual abuse and exploitation—and that’s why the Dirty Dozen List exists.
The Human Trafficking Legal Center
1030 15th Street NW
#104B
Washington, DC 20005
https://www.htlegalcenter.org/
We work to hold traffickers accountable for their crimes. The Human Trafficking Legal Center, together with our pro bono (no fee) attorney partners, fights for justice for trafficking survivors. With pro bono attorneys by their sides, trafficking survivors can reclaim their lives.
Since 2012, we have trained more than 3,600 attorneys at leading U.S. law firms and placed 280+ cases for free legal representation. The Human Trafficking Legal Center and our pro bono partners have a 95% civil case success rate. Entire families can start life anew. Each victory emboldens more survivors. And traffickers face a powerful deterrent.
The Human Trafficking Legal Center Impact Report (https://www.htlegalcenter.org/wp-content/uploads/HT_Pro_Bono_Impact_Report.pdf)
Human Trafficking Project (About * Resources) | Survivors | Safe Homes | Attorneys | Blog | Contact
BSCC 24-HOUR TRAFFICKING HOTLINE:
619-666-2757
“The BSCC is an alliance of over 60 government and nonprofit agencies in the United States and Latin America that is convened in and along the U.S.-Mexico Border Region to combat slavery and human trafficking.
“Services: Advocacy for prostituted and trafficked girls and women.
“Assistance in providing a comprehensive, multifaceted network providing wrap-around services to women, men, and children who have been victimized by traffickers and held as slaves. Workshops provided for agencies offering services to victims of trafficking.”
24-hr Trafficking Emergency Hotline-(619) 666-2757
The BSCC Trafficking Hotline is a direct link to the BSCC Trafficking Emergency Response Team. The Trafficking Hotline is bilingual and available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to assist victims, service providers, and law enforcement.
WHO CAN CALL THE TRAFFICKING HOTLINE ?
WHO CAN CALL THE TRAFFICKING HOTLINE ?
• Trafficking Victims
-Ask for help
-Find protection and safety
-Find shelter, food, and clothing
-Find counseling and medical assistance
-Contact or help your family
-Prosecute your abusers
• Community Clinics and Doctors
• Social Services Agencies
• Concerned Citizens
-Report a human trafficking case
-Request victim support services
-Request victim assessment
-Report the location of a trafficking operation, sweatshop,
labor camp, or brothel
-Help victims and their families in the United State and / or
Mexico
-Report a missing or exploited child
• Law Enforcement Personnel
-Request victim assistance during details
-Request victim assistance while on patrol
-Request victim support services
-Request assistance in Mexico
TRAFFICKING
For Parents, Family Members, Teachers, Educators, Young Adults & Teens
How to Protect Your Children from Predators like Jeffrey Epstein | Working Mother
https://youth.gov/youth-topics/trafficking-of-youth/the-problem
https://www.safehorizon.org/get-informed/human-trafficking-statistics-facts/#definition/
https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-human-trafficking
LGBTQ+ – https://polarisproject.org/
Survivor Care*Prevention Education*Strategic Collaboration with Adults – https://love146.org/
Short video explaining why children are most of the victims of trafficking – Hotline –
Resources from Enough is enough!
https://enough.org/recovery_resources#trafficking%20resources
https://stoptraffickingdemand.com/
https://www.thorn.org/
https://endsexualexploitation.org/
https://www.protectyoungminds.org/ (anti-porn)
https://www.covenanteyes.com/ (anti-porn)
https://fightthenewdrug.org/ (anti-porn)
https://ourrescue.org/
https://ourrescue.org/ (Reaching Kids before traffickers do)
How to Protect Your Children from Predators like Jeffrey Epstein | Working Mother
CAST – Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
CAST-Coalition to Abolish Slavery & Trafficking
Reaching out to communities where potential victims of trafficking may reside, CAST offers client services such as:
- providing survivors with legal representation,
- social services, and shelter at no charge to the client,
- training on identifying potential trafficking victims, and
- practitioners’ guides on human rights and health to inform a variety of audiences.
SHOP: https://www.thelittlemarket.com/collections/sugar-scrubs
These sugar scrubs were handmade by individuals who are survivors of human trafficking and leaders in the anti-trafficking movement working to create resilient futures and raise awareness about human rights.
Through a skill development program with The Little Market, they have access to fair wages and empowering work environments while skill building and dreaming up new opportunities. Each program participant has been involved with the Survivor Leadership Program at the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (Cast). A nonprofit based in Los Angeles, California, Cast offers survivors comprehensive services, including a hotline, housing, social/legal services, anti-trafficking advocacy training, and a platform to create change.
Some of the products are shown below.
Human & Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking is a type of human trafficking and is a form of modern-day slavery. It is a serious public health problem that negatively affects the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker exploits an individual with force, fraud, or coercion to make them perform commercial sex or work.
Sex trafficking is defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000external icon as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act.”
It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to make an adult engage in commercial sex acts. However, any commercial sexual activity with a minor, even without force, fraud, or coercion, is considered trafficking.
Understanding the shared risk and protective factors for violence can help us prevent trafficking from happening in the first place.
https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/sexualviolence/trafficking.html
Risks and Consequences
This type of violence exploits women, men, and children across the United States and around the world. Trafficking victimization and perpetration share risks and consequences associated with child abuse and neglect, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and gang violence.
Perpetrators of human trafficking often target people who are poor, vulnerable, living in an unsafe situation, or searching for a better life.
Victims can come from all backgrounds and become trapped in different locations and situations.
- Many victims are women and girls, though men and boys are also impacted
- Victims include all races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, citizens, non-citizens, and income levels
- Victims are trapped and controlled through assault, threats, false promises, perceived sense of protection, isolation, shaming, and debt
- Victims do not have to be physically transported between locations to be victimized
The consequences of sex trafficking are similar to the consequences of sexual violence.
Consequences can be immediate and long-term including physical and relationship problems, psychological concerns, and negative chronic health outcomes. Read more about common issues seen in victims of trafficking
Sex Trafficking Is Preventable.
Sex trafficking is preventable. Efforts have focused on increasing community awareness of human trafficking and addressing exploitation after it occurs.
To learn more about how to recognize the signs of human trafficking, visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline’s Recognizing the Signs websiteexternal icon.
More research is needed to evaluate programs and policies that help reduce factors that put people at risk in order to help prevent trafficking before it occurs.
Strategies based on the best available evidence exist to prevent related forms of violence, and they may also reduce sex trafficking.
States and communities can implement and evaluate efforts that:
- encourage healthy behaviors in relationships
- foster safe homes and neighborhoods
- identify and address vulnerabilities during health care visits
- reduce demand for commercial sex
- end business profits from trafficking-related transactions
Awkward job interview or human trafficking? – The American Genius
One woman’s tale of how she handled an off-putting interview might have saved her life!
“After ample research, we published a list of 7 ways to tell if a job posting is actually a human sex trafficker, and while there’s no way it covers every single possibility, it offers the most common red flags to watch out for.”
FAIR Girls
FAIR Girls provides intervention and holistic care to female survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children. Through prevention education and policy advocacy, FAIR Girls also works to eradicate human trafficking and reduce systematic barriers to survivors’ healing and empowerment. FAIR Girls is located in Washington, D.C.
The organization provides
- 24/7 Crisis intervention, safety planning, and access to emergency housing.
- trauma-informed services, and
- education that helps these women cope with their experiences.
Plus, the organization works to help sex workers who have been trafficked either remove themselves from their situations, or continue sex work in a way that is safe for them.
There are plenty of ways to get involved with FAIR Girls, including donating, volunteering, and even starting a career with the organization.
(FBI) Violent Crimes Against Children
- provide a rapid, proactive, and comprehensive capacity to counter all threats of abuse and exploitation of children when those crimes fall under the jurisdiction and authority of the FBI;
- to identify and rescue child victims;
- to reduce the vulnerability of children to in-person and online sexual exploitation and abuse;
- to reduce the negative impact of domestic and international parental rights disputes; and
- to strengthen the capabilities of the FBI and federal, state, local, tribal, and international partners through training, intelligence sharing, technical support, and investigative assistance.
From 56 Human Trafficking Facts:
24. Sex traffickers often recruit children because not only are children more unsuspecting and vulnerable than adults, but there is also a high market demand for young victims. Traffickers target victims on the telephone, on the Internet, through friends, at the mall, and in after-school programs.[17]
28. Sex traffickers use a variety of ways to “condition” their victims, including subjecting them to starvation, rape, gang rape, physical abuse, beating, confinement, threats of violence toward the victim and victim’s family, forced drug use, and shame.[14]
49. The FBI estimates that over 100,000 children and young women are trafficked in America today. They range in age from nine to 19, with the average being age 11. Many victims are not just runaways or abandoned, but are from “good” families who are coerced by clever traffickers.[17]
52. Human trafficking victims face physical risks, such as drug and alcohol addiction, contracting STDs, sterility, miscarriages, forced abortions, vaginal and anal trauma, among others. Psychological effects include developing clinical depression, personality and dissociative disorders, suicidal tendencies, Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome, and Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Syndrome.[14]
Freedom Network USA
The Freedom Network USA is America’s largest coalition of individuals and groups working to provide victims of human trafficking with access to justice, safety, and opportunity, according to its site.
In addition to providing legal services, the group has created a network of survivors for support.
If you’d like to get involved with the organization, you can donate to help it train professionals.
HealthyPlace
Mental Health Support, Resources & Information | HealthyPlace
“Healthyplace.com is the largest consumer mental health site on the net. We provide authoritative information and support to people with mental health concerns, along with their family members and other loved ones.
“At HealthyPlace.com, you’ll find comprehensive, authoritative information on psychological disorders, psychiatric medications, and other mental health treatments. We also have online psychological tests, breaking mental health news, and more.
“We believe the most important thing in a person’s life is “peace of mind”.
“And at HealthyPlace.com, we help bring that to you by providing mental health information from experts, as well as everyday people who are dealing with psychological disorders.
Learn More About HealthyPlace.com | HealthyPlace
On About Us, you will see a list of Conditions from “Abuse” to “Schizoaffective Disorder” which link to those Communities where you can find “tons” of valuable information, articles, books, and videos. (Some links are provided below for your convenience.)
They also have many, many Mental Health BLOGS! Including:
Mental Health for the Digital Generation | Trauma/PTSD | Verbal Abuse in Relationships (includes an article How Abuse Can Lead to Suicidal Thoughts | HealthyPlace)
Mental Health Support, Resources & Information | HealthyPlace
Conditions include:
- Abuse Information & Resources (Abuse Information, Emotional & Psychological Abuse, Physical Abuse, Domestic Violence, Teenage Dating Violence, Help)
- Addictions
- Anxiety, Panic, Phobias
- Depression (Types, Treatment, Self-Help)
- Dissociative Disorders (Types, Causes, Symptoms, Treatment)
- LGBT & Mental Health (much more, including links to many Psychological Tests)
- Self-Help
Click Here for Resources – Mental Health & Crisis
Click here for Resources – ONLINE THERAPY (Many are FREEE!!)
HelpGuide.org
About Us
HelpGuide is an independent nonprofit that provides free, evidence-based mental health education and support. Our mission is to empower people with information they can use to help themselves and their loved ones.
HelpGuide is proud to be recognized as a transparent and trustworthy nonprofit provider of quality health information.
HelpGuide is dedicated to Morgan Leslie Segal, whose tragic suicide might have been prevented if she had access to better information.
(PTSD & TRAUMA)
Recovering from Rape and Sexual Trauma
Recovering from sexual assault takes time, and the healing process can be painful. But you can regain your sense of control, rebuild your self-worth, and learn to heal.
Helping Someone with PTSD
When someone you care about suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, it can be overwhelming. But with these steps, you can help your loved one move on with their life.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
When bad things happen, it can take a while to get over the pain and feel safe again. But with these self-help strategies and support, you can speed up your recovery.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma – HelpGuide.org
See Additional HelpGuide Topics below.
Click this link to find the following TOPICS near the bottom of the Home Page on HelpGuide:
Indigenous/Native American Organizations
What does National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center do?
With a mission to end violence against Native American women and children, Mending the Sacred Hoop and its many programs and services supports victims of abuse and leads efforts to restore the safety of women across the country.
Native Womens Wilderness is an organization whose mission is to inspire and raise the voices of Native Women in the outdoor realm and encourage a healthy lifestyle grounded in the wilderness. Native Womens Wilderness also works on missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness.
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA is a community-led initiative that focuses on the missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW) epidemic on both sides of the Canadian-U.S. border. There are systemic causes of the violence that causes the disproportionate rate of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls, of which a great many cases go unsolved.
Across the United States and Canada Native Women and girls are being taken or murdered at an unrelenting rate. Native Hope exists to address the injustice done to Native Americans. We dismantle barriers through storytelling and impactful programs to bring healing and inspire hope.
Native Hope Resource Guide Addressing Native American Issues as a Non-Native for Allies
StrongHearts Native Helpline (1-844-762-8483, or strongheartshelpline.org) is a 24/7 safe, confidential and anonymous domestic, dating and sexual violence helpline for American Indians and Alaska Natives, offering culturally-appropriate support and advocacy.
The Center provides legal assistance to indigenous peoples of the Americas to combat racism and oppression, to protect their lands and environment, to protect their cultures and ways of life, to achieve sustainable economic development and genuine self-government, and to realize their other human rights. The Center’s Safe Women, Strong Nations project partners with Native women’s organizations and Indian and Alaska Native nations to end violence against Native women and girls. Our project raises awareness to gain strong federal action to end violence against Native women; provides legal advice to national Native women’s organizations and Indian nations on ways to restore tribal criminal authority and to preserve tribal civil authority; and helps Indian nations increase their capacity to prevent violence and punish offenders on their lands.
Alliance of Tribal Coalitions to End Violence
Tribal Coalitions: Increase awareness of domestic violence, sexual assault, and sex trafficking against American Indian and Alaska Native women.
Enhance the response to violence against women at the tribal, federal, and state levels; and identify and provide technical assistance to coalition membership and tribal communities to enhance access to essential services.
VICTIM SERVICES DIRECTORY
Victim Services Directory for Trafficking Victims (tribaltrafficking.org)
Our holistic victim services directory, Sex Trafficking in Indian Country: Victim/Survivor Resource Book, is intended to provide Tribal Coalitions with basic information on sex trafficking as it impacts Native people and to provide access to direct services that may assist victims/survivors of sex trafficking. This resource contains a 900+ page victim/survivor services directory that is organized by state. Only states with a Tribal Coalition are represented in this directory.
This user-friendly directory of relevant free-to-low cost services can be used to aid victims of sex trafficking and sexual assault so they can easily access everything from short-term resources such as emergency shelter, food, and protection order assistance to long-term services like healthcare, education, and employment.
The directory was created with the tribal coalitions in mind, so they can immediately refer their clients to a national network of direct service providers. However, we have also designed this directory to be user friendly, so individuals looking for help can have a one-stop-shop to deal with the effects of sex trafficking, sexual assault, and exiting the sex industry.
(This directory was published in September of 2016 and it reflects information that was current at the time of publication)
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women USA
MMIW USA’s main focus is the families and women that have been abandoned by law enforcement and other institutions. They fill the gap between the family and law enforcement and demand answers, something these families felt afraid to do. Two years ago MMIW USA started the Staying Sacred Program for young women and girls. At the meeting the girls are taught self-defense and empowerment through native culture. We engage in discussions around trafficking and social media and we also balance that with medicine making and giving them a place to connect with the land and our Earth Mother. Proceeds will help this program expand, buying facial recognition software to look for trafficked women and the capability to run back ground checks as we delve into stopping the violence that leaves some native women 10 times more likely to be raped or murdered. Chukmaskhi’ for your help in this matter. You are appreciated.
(On the website, you can read “More about us” by clicking the button.)
Allow 7-10 business days
Some things can be so easily digitally slapped together these days. We wanted a symbol that was organic and real. Our Artist Tyler Phibbs (Blackfoot) had an idea… an idea to take a human handprint on glass, break it with a hammer and then scanning the pieces. Chris Borges (Manaus – Amazonia) literally lent a hand and we were on a creative frenzy. Why this much effort for a logo?! Why so many pieces involved?! Each missing person is worth all the effort. A human handprint from a Manaus medicine family descendent is a prayer of a return to healing. The handprint shattered in pieces represents the shattered hearts and lives of the victims and families whom are impacted by this tragic epidemic. We hope these items help spread awareness, help in support MMIW USA, bring our family members home and stop this cycle. YAKOKE CHITO.
Lauren’s Kids
Our mission is to prevent child sexual abuse through education and awareness and to help survivors heal with guidance and support. https://laurenskids.org/
Lauren’s Kids is based in South Florida and educates adults and children about sexual abuse prevention through in-school curricula, awareness campaigns, and speaking engagements around the country and the world.
The Issue of Child Sexual Abuse | Includes: Tactics of the perpetrator and Signs a child may be a victim of sexual abuse
Combatting Human Trafficking | Family Safety
SAFER, SMARTER FAMILIES | Digital Health & Safety Resources
During this uncertain time of school closures, childcare pressures, and increased reliance on digital devices, it is important for families to be mindful of safety – the FBI has released guidance for parents to stay alert, especially when 1 in 5 children who touch a digital device will be sexually solicited online.
Parents – fear not! We are here to provide you with the knowledge, language, and activities necessary to teach your elementary school aged child(ren) about personal safety in a way that is comfortable, accessible, and fun. (Have a middle or high schooler in your home? Visit SaferSmarterFamilies.org for lessons designed for older children and teens!)
Lauren’s Kids has posted 6 digital lessons and activities from the Blueprint for Building Safer, Smarter Families resource, designed for use with elementary school students.
For older children in middle school and high school, see SAFER SMARTER FAMILIES
Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit
The Safer, Smarter Families Family Safety Toolkit is designed to help your family address personal safety, abuse prevention, and social-emotional learning in a way that is comfortable and accessible for both you and your children.
One of the Dirty Dozen 2021
Discord – NCOSE (endsexualexploitation.org)
Discord, a popular communication service used by over 100 million active monthly users, has exploded in popularity since the onset of COVID-19 sent most of the world into the digital space. But what started in 2015 as a haven for gamers has quickly morphed into a virtual meeting spot where sexual exploitation and abuse thrive. Now, exploiters go to Discord to groom children for sexual abuse or sex trafficking, and to trade pornography—including child sexual abuse materials, non-consensually recorded and/or shared pornography, and more.
For Parents, Family Members, Teachers, Educators, Young Adults & Teens
Internet Safety for Kids | How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
(Source: Consumernotice.org | Written By : Terry Turner | Edited By : Kim Borwick | Last Modified: August 18, 2021)
Threats to children’s internet safety include invasions of privacy, cyberbullying, sexting and harassment. Options to protect your children include parental controls, apps and tracking software. But the most effective way to keep your kids safe is to talk with them about online risks, how to avoid them and how they can come to you when something goes wrong.
Internet safety for kids depends on parents being aware of online risks and understanding how to help their children and teens avoid them.
Almost every American child and teen has access to the internet. They socialize in online games or on smartphones just as they would on a playground. They live largely in a digital community. But like any community, there are risks and dangers.
Parents are the best suited to monitor kids’ online activity. They are also the most trusted adults most kids will turn to if they experience online dangers. Understanding what your children or teens do online is vital to protecting them from digital threats. . .
What Are Kids Doing Online?
~ 30 percent have used the internet in ways their parents wouldn’t approve
~ 21 percent have visited sites where they can chat with strangers
~ 17 percent have visited porn sites
~ 11 percent have visited sites that offer ways to cheat on homework
~ 4 percent have visited online gambling sites
Source: Children’s Internet Usage Study, Center for Cyber Safety and Education (Grades 4-8)
TOPICS in article:
♦ How Children and Teens Get Online
♦ Online Dangers to Discuss with Your Kids
♦ How to Set Rules
♦ Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Children Online
♦ Using Tech and Apps to Protect Your Kids Online
♦ Monitoring, Tracking and Limiting Your Child’s Online Activity
♦ Filtering Out Inappropriate Content
♦ How to Teach Your Kids to Use Their Smartphones Responsibly
♦ Your Child’s First Smartphone | 5 Things to Think About
♦ Make Sure Your Teen Understands the Dangers of Texting and Driving
♦ Teaching Your Teens How to Use Social Media Safely
♦ Tips for Teen Safety on Social Media
♦ Cyberbullying Prevention
♦ Signs Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied
♦ What Parents Can Do to Deal With Cyberbullies
♦ Teach Your Child How to Stand Up for Cyberbully Victims
♦ How to Talk to Your Teens About Sexting | 5 Things to Tell Your Teens About Sexting
♦ What You Should Know About Your Kids and Online Gaming
♦ How to Keep Your Child Safe in Online Gaming
♦ What to Do If Your Child’s Safety Is Threatened Online
LOVE 146
THIS IS THE BEGINNING OF THE END of child trafficking.
“The phrase “human trafficking” was introduced decades ago with relatively few people tracking the issue. But today, many of us know about this horrific crime. The number of reports about children being trafficked is skyrocketing. It can seem like the issue is getting worse as new stories are unearthed. But the more deeply we understandably the issue of child trafficking, the closer we are to ending it.”
Love146 is an international anti-child trafficking organization (based in the United States) that focuses heavily on prevention and survivor care.
- The organization provides homes for victims of trafficking as well as training for individuals who help support them.
- They also coordinate prevention education in countries around the world and have made it their mission to contribute to trafficking research.
To get involved with Love146, you can make a one-time or monthly donation.
Whether you can donate your money or your time to any of these organizations, you have the ability to help win the fight against human trafficking.
Love146 – Ending Child Trafficking and Exploitation
Not A Number – Love146’s Child Trafficking Prevention Curriculum
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
24-HOUR CYBER TIPLINE
1-800-THE-LOST
https://www.missingkids.org/gethelpnow/cybertipline
“NCMEC’s CyberTipline is the nation’s centralized reporting system for the online exploitation of children. The public and electronic service providers can make reports of suspected online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to a child, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet.”
National Center on Sexual Exploitation
1201 F St NW, Suite 200 | Washington, DC 20004
202.393.7245 | PUBLIC@NCOSE.COM
Home – NCOSE (endsexualexploitation.org) | Blog Articles
Resources | Survivor Resources, Prevention and Recovery, Ally Resources, Press Resources
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation. We are a nonprofit organization with a focus on a wide-ranging and interrelated array of topics including, but not limited to, child sexual abuse, child-on-child harmful sexual behavior, compulsive sexual behaviors, demand for sexual exploitation, illicit massage businesses, image-based sexual abuse, institutional sexual abuse, men’s violence against women, the neurological impacts of sexual trauma, the public health harms of pornography, prostitution, sex trafficking, sexual harassment and assault, sexual objectification, stripping, as well as the intersection of these issues with technology.
We are nonpartisan and nonsectarian because the fight to end sexual exploitation knows no political or religious boundaries. The inherent harms and oppression of sexual abuse and exploitation impact people regardless of their age, nationality, race, sex, sexual orientation, or creed.
We love people and partnerships. This is why we work relentlessly to build a diverse movement that welcomes all people committed to defending human dignity.
Our Vision
The National Center on Sexual Exploitation believes in a world free from sexual abuse and exploitation.
We believe every human being deserves the opportunity to live life to its fullest potential: to pursue dreams and ambitions; express creativity and hone talents; seek beauty, truth, and faith; experience hope, joy, and love with family and friends—to thrive. Such a vision requires not only individuals and institutions that work towards its realization but also a culture that embraces its responsibility to preserve and protect human flourishing. We aspire to create that culture.
Our Mission
Defending Human Dignity. Opposing Sexual Exploitation.
National Runaway Safeline
HOTLINE 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
Phone: 773-880-9860 / Fax: 773-929-5150
“The National Runaway Safeline offers confidential crisis intervention and referral information for youth and their families via a national switchboard available 24 hours a day. Services include agency referrals, message delivery, dedicated agency and informational line, youth advocacy, community education, runaway education program for schools.”
CALL * CHAT * EMAIL * FORUM
National Sexual Violence Resource Center
717-728-9740 x144 / 800-692-7445
HELP * HOPE * HEALING
“There is a national network of community-based rape crisis centers, with centers available in every state and territory. www.nsvrc.org These centers exist across the United States to provide supportive services to victims of sexual assault. While the specific services available vary by location, services are confidential and may include:
- advocacy,
- accompaniment during medical exams and law enforcement interviews,
- education,
- follow-up services,
- and referrals to other resources.”
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
“Every state and territory also has an organization designated to coordinate the activities of rape crisis efforts and represent that state or territory as its coalition.
NSVRC maintains a Directory of State and Territory Coalitions, as well as a Directory of Victim/Survivor Support Organizations that provide services to survivors. Please contact your state or territory’s coalition to find local resources.
NSVRC – A Guide for Friends and Family of Sexual Violence Survivors. Download Guide:
https://www.nsvrc.org/sites/default/files/201710/friends_and_family_guide_final.pdf
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
What is the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance?
The National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance (NTSA) is a network of service providers committed to enhancing services and increasing access to care for survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
NTSA is working to achieve this mission through three key initiatives: the Alliance Referral System, Knowledge Center, and Accreditation.
Membership
The Alliance’s mission is to bring together residential service providers. We also encourage membership and participation of any organization or entity that is actively engaged in anti-trafficking efforts. Check out our two types of membership to see which one fits best for your organization.
ALLIANCE REFERRAL SYSTEM
Looking for Residential Services for a Survivor?
Use our Alliance Referral System (ARS) to connect with residential programs that can meet the specific needs for survivors of trafficking and exploitation.
We are committed to responding to every referral within 24 hours.
Learn more about ARS here.
Click for additional details, information and forms from Rapid Referral | The Samaritan Women
Want your Residential Program to be a receiving agency of ARS? Email: referral@shelteredalliance.org.
Questions? Email us or call (443) 267-4090
Cultivating the Supply
– Melissa Yao, National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance
Melissa is the Director of the National Trafficking Sheltered Alliance.
For nearly 8 years, Melissa worked at The Samaritan Women, a long-term restoration home for survivors of domestic human trafficking. She has seen firsthand how isolating it is for those working with survivors of sexual exploitation and is passionate about building a community that empowers and encourages those in the trenches every day.
While at The Samaritan Women, Melissa worked to increase awareness and deepen community engagement on issues around human trafficking, spearheaded advocacy campaigns, hosted nation-wide gatherings and conferences, and supported staff and residents through their spiritual journeys.
Office for Victims of Crime
JUSTICE FOR VICTIMS. JUSTICE FOR ALL.
- Resources and research from OVC and other Federal Government agencies
- Local and national direct assistance information
- Map of services and task forces, and related funding opportunities for victims and survivors of human trafficking
- Victim service providers
- Law enforcement, and allied professionals.
The Child Trafficking and Exploitation site offers resources, forum discussions, and FAQs.
Training Specific:
The OVC Training & Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) provides a diverse range of specialized training and technical assistance services related to human trafficking through its in-house subject matter experts and vetted consultants.
Direct technical assistance is provided on:
- task force formation,
- organizational structure,
- promising practices,
- revitalization, and other trafficking topics.
In-person training and technical assistance, including:
- distance consultation, tailored to requester’s needs, is available at no cost through OVC TTAC’s Customized Training and Technical Assistance Program.
- Any professional who encounters victims of human trafficking is eligible to request victim-centered training on human trafficking.
- OVC TTAC also can review protocols, training materials, and documents.
- Training audiences include attorneys, judges, law enforcement, prosecutors, social service providers, task force members, and allied professionals.
Office on Trafficking in Persons
- Blog posts
- Featured Resource
- The opportunity to report a tip or request services
- Visitors can subscribe to Human Trafficking’s Email and News Alerts.
Training Specific:
- A Resources section offers a list of organizations that provide training and technical assistance to build the capacity of service providers and communities to respond to human trafficking as it intersects with multiple systems.
- A short synopsis and contact information on each is provided. Training audiences include youth-serving organizations, government agency service providers, and communities who respond to human trafficking.
10 Ways You Can Help End Trafficking | The Administration for Children and Families (hhs.gov)
- Know the Signs: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/human-trafficking/recognizing-signs
- Report a Tip: National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Spread the Word: Share and display HHS Look Beneath the Surface and DHS Blue Campaign Visit disclaimer page awareness resources in your community. Let everyone know that the National Human Trafficking Hotline Visit disclaimer page is here to help.
- Think Before You Shop: Consider how you shop Visit disclaimer page and eat Visit disclaimer page . Who made your clothes? Who prepared your food? Calculate your Slavery Footprint Visit disclaimer page , and know which goods may be produced by child or forced labor Visit disclaimer page .
- Tell Your Friends: The U.S. Government has zero tolerance policies for employees, uniformed service members, and contractors paying for sex. Learn more about the Federal Acquisition Regulations and human trafficking Visit disclaimer page .
- Volunteer Locally: Ask anti-trafficking organizations in your community Visit disclaimer page how you can support them. Perhaps they need volunteers or you could help with an awareness event.
- Stay Informed: Sign up for DOJ human trafficking news alerts Visit disclaimer page , follow relevant organizations on social media, read reports as they are released, or check out OTIP’s newsfeed.
- Register for Training: OTIP’s National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center trains public health professionals and the Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center Visit disclaimer page supports the criminal justice system.
- Use Your Skills: Can you train or hire survivors? Reach out to potential local partners Visit disclaimer page . Do you work in a school? Propose anti-trafficking protocols Visit disclaimer page . Are you an attorney? Offer pro-bono services Visit disclaimer page . Writing a story? Use media best practices Visit disclaimer page . Work in hospitals or clinics? Encourage your colleagues to register for the SOAR to Health and Wellness training.
- Raise Your Voice: Ask representatives Visit disclaimer page how they are addressing human trafficking. Let them know what your community needs.
SOAR to Health and Wellness Training
Many individuals who have experienced trafficking come into contact with health care and social service professionals during and after their exploitation, but still remain unidentified. The SOAR training equips professionals with skills to identify, treat, and respond appropriately to human trafficking.
By applying a public health approach, SOAR seeks to build the capacity of communities to identify and respond to the complex needs of individuals who have experienced trafficking and understand the root causes that make individuals, families, and communities vulnerable to trafficking.
After attending SOAR training, you will be able to:
- Stop – Describe the scope of human trafficking in the United States
- Observe – Recognize the verbal and non-verbal indicators of human trafficking
- Ask – Identify and interact with individuals who have experienced trafficking using a victim-centered and trauma-informed approach
- Respond – Respond effectively to potential human trafficking in your community by identifying needs and available resources to provide critical support and assistance
“Real life scenarios…make you think about how to put these skills and knowledge into action.”
“I had no prior training or knowledge of human trafficking. I did not even realize people were trafficked for labor purposes. I just thought that this occurred in other places, when in reality it can be in the city that I live in.”
“Enjoyed the interactive platform, thought provoking questions asked, and having a survivor [facilitator]. Extremely well delivered by all speakers.”
Who Should Take SOAR Training?
SOAR is for anyone interested in learning how to recognize and respond to human trafficking in health care or social service settings. Trainings will be available for:
- Health care providers
- Social workers
- Public health professionals
- Behavioral health professionals
How Do I Attend SOAR Training?
The SOAR training is delivered either in-person or online Visit disclaimer page . Choose a training that best suits your work and your professional role.
The HHS SOAR training program is administered by OTIP in partnership with the HHS Office on Women’s Health Visit disclaimer page , through the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center.
The Office on Trafficking in Persons thanks the 2014 and 2016 SOAR technical working groups for their hard work and contributions to the development of this training.
Polaris, National Human Trafficking Hotline (888)373-7888 or text “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733 and TTY 711
Or LIVE CHAT:
Blog | Polaris (polarisproject.org)
Recognizing Human Trafficking | Polaris (polarisproject.org) (Vulnerabilities & Recruitment)
Recognizing Human Trafficking | Polaris (polarisproject.org) (Pay attention to people you know or work with – it’s Context & Proximity)
Myths, Facts, and Statistics | Polaris (polarisproject.org)
Policy & Legislation | Polaris (polarisproject.org)
Resources & Reports | Polaris (polarisproject.org)
Founded in 2002, Polaris is named for the North Star, which people held in slavery in the United States used as a guide to navigate their way to freedom. Today we are filling in the roadmap for that journey and lighting the path ahead.
Mission and Vision
Polaris is leading a data-driven social justice movement to fight sex and labor trafficking at the massive scale of the problem – 25 million people worldwide deprived of the freedom to choose how they live and work.
For more than a decade, Polaris has assisted thousands of victims and survivors through the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, helped ensure countless traffickers were held accountable and built the largest known U.S. data set on actual trafficking experiences.
With the guidance of survivors, we use that data to improve the way trafficking is identified, how victims and survivors are assisted, and how communities, businesses and governments can prevent human trafficking by transforming the underlying inequities and oppressions that make it possible.
We respond to sex and labor trafficking as they happen. We learn from that response and share that learning. Finally, we use what we learn to pilot big, new ideas for slowly, carefully, finally, dismantling big, old systems that make trafficking possible. We are focused where we think we can make the most change: Systems that trap impoverished migrants in degrading conditions; systems that allow sex traffickers to hide behind screens and systems that, if optimized, would allow the financial services industry to use traffickers’ own money to shut them down.
Illicit Massage Parlors
A longtime national leader in addressing the complex nature of human trafficking in illicit massage parlors, in 2019 Polaris joined forces with partners to convene the first-ever national strategic gathering around trafficking in these venues. The convening brought together more than 250 experts from around the country to share best practices and strategize around a robust national plan that leverages the increased attention to and understanding of these businesses sparked in part by a high-profile arrest of a sports team owner at a massage parlor.
Criminal Record Relief
Research shows the majority of human trafficking survivors have some kind of criminal record as a result of that experience. While some states have passed laws that allow survivors to have those records cleared or at least sealed in some cases, many do not and the laws that do exist are often cumbersome or insufficient to meet the real need. Polaris worked with leading legal experts on the issue to compile “report cards” grading each state law and offering detailed recommendations for improvement. Since the report’s release, Hawaii and Nevada have made dramatic improvements to their criminal records relief laws for trafficking survivors. Several others have made major steps forward including Kansas, New York, and Maryland, where bills were introduced but not enacted.
Read More about their work in the US and around the world.
There are many ways to help combat human trafficking besides donating money! You can contact your elected representatives about supporting important legislation to combat the crime and help survivors. You can learn more about how human trafficking really works and help educate others. And you can volunteer in your community to fight not just trafficking but the factors that lead to trafficking – including poverty, addiction and hopelessness.
( centers.rainn.org )
It’s helpful to have support in your own community after a sexual assault. Local service providers make it easy for you to access care, and they are knowledgeable about the laws in your area and local resources that can assist you.
ADVOCATES AND SHELTERS (Local Programs) listed by State, organized by County:
https://www.womenslaw.org/find-help/advocates-and-shelters
For a list and description of organizations that provide assistance for survivors and their families, visit: https://www.rainn.org/national-resources-sexual-assault-survivors-and-their-loved-ones
- Asian, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Survivors
- Black Survivors
- Child Abuse/Sexual Abuse
- College Students
- Domestic, Dating and Intimate Partner Violence
- Human Trafficking
- Immigrant Survivors
- Incest
- Indigenous Survivors
- Latinx Survivors
- Legal Resources
LGBTQ Survivors
LGBTQ Survivors of Color
Male Survivors
Medical/Physical Health
Mental Health
Military Resources
Stalking
Sexual Assault Prevention
Suicide & Self-Harm
Survivors with Disabilities
“The RAINN app gives survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones access to support, self-care tools, and information to help manage the short- and long-term effects of sexual violence.
Find Support
“The app’s “Hotline” feature can connect you directly with one-on-one support from a trained support specialist on RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline via phone or online chat. It’s free, confidential and available 24/7.
“You can also chat with other survivors in our peer-to-peer HelpRoom.”
Practice Self-Care
“The app’s “Self-Care” section contains exercises to help you take a moment for yourself as you heal. They include a Mood Tracker to help you reflect on how you’re feeling and figure out the best ways to care for yourself; relaxing visuals from The Monday Campaign to help you destress; and audio exercises from Headspace for calming meditation.”
Learn More
“The app’s “Learn” section includes helpful information on sexual violence topics, finding and giving support, and healing.
“You can also hear from survivors offering their own real-life stories of hope and healing.”
The RAINN app is available in the App Store and on Google Play. Download it today.
Locations
Residential Housing: Chicago, KY, North TX, Southern NV, SoCal, TX Gulf Coast
https://www.refugeforwomen.org/safehouses
Emergency Housing: KY, Pittsburgh (coming soon)
https://www.refugeforwomen.org/emergency-housing
Transitional Housing: KY, North TX, Southern NV
https://www.refugeforwomen.org/transitional-living
_________________________
SHOP ~ SELL ~ SUPPORT
Rescue Freedom
RESCUE FREEDOM
PO Box 77 | Kirkland, WA 98083
1-888-388-1811 | contact@rescuefreedom.org
https://rescuefreedom.org/about-us/
Millions of people are victims of sexual slavery. Every day, women and children endure sexual, physical, and emotional abuse without an end in sight. But you can help.
OUR MISSION: We exist to empower the rescue and restoration of those in sexual slavery and to prevent exploitation.
We are a holistic solution, not a program. Our holistic model is focused on rescuing and restoring victims, preventing slavery from ever happening, and creating advocacy opportunities that lead to lasting change.
We work with local experts. We partner with local organizations who understand the vulnerabilities of their communities best and are committed to ending slavery in our lifetime.
Together, we attack this global injustice from every angle. When you join Team Freedom you:
⦁ Rescue victims of sex trafficking
⦁ Provide holistic care to survivors
⦁ Protect vulnerable people from exploitation
⦁ Empower expert-led local organizations to fight trafficking
⦁ Prosecute traffickers, and put an end to injustice
⦁ This is the team making a real difference every day.
Click to Learn More: Rescue:Freedom International (rescuefreedom.org)
SHOP
https://rescuefreedom.org/shop/
Every purchase made in our shop is a contribution to the freedom of another life. Wear what you care about knowing that profits fund our efforts to end human trafficking for good.
Using your passions to fight injustice | Jeremy Vallerand | TEDxKirkland
True Freedom
Why Local?
The difference between freedom and slavery looks different in every city, and so does how we operate. We work with organizations who understand the vulnerabilities of sex trafficking in their communities best and combat the issue at its source.
Shared Hope International
Customized training:
Also available and designed to meet the needs of a variety of audiences that may come in contact with victims of domestic sex trafficking.
THORN Digital Defenders
(Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Co-Founders) THORN
Text “NOFILTR” to 741741 for immediate assistance for “Grooming”
If you’re being sextorted, GET HELP NOW – TEXT “THORN” TO 741741
Thorn, aka Digital Defenders of Children; Ashton Kutcher’s organization driving tech innovation to fight child trafficking and the sexual exploitation of children.
About Our Fight Against Sexual Exploitation of Children
Our Work to Stop Child Sexual Exploitation
We build technology to defend children from sexual abuse.
We refuse to live in a world where the technology exists to help kids but simply isn’t being used. We build powerful products, lead new programs, maintain essential resources, and develop awareness campaigns to attack the issue from all sides. Technology must be part of the solution.
ACCELERATE victim identification. We identify critical technical needs and produce tools that allow law enforcement to stay ahead of perpetrators and identify more children.
Since 2016, Spotlight has helped law enforcement find kids faster. Our flagship product was developed based on the insights gained from our first survivor survey.
Spotlight accelerates victim identification and helps law enforcement make the best use of the critical time they have to focus on finding more child sex trafficking victims.
EQUIP platforms. Many small and mid-size companies do not have the resources or knowledge to implement child safety procedures and tools, making their platforms vulnerable to abusive content and behavior. We offer resources and tools for companies to help protect kids on their platforms.
Our first step in equipping platforms is the Sound Practices Guide, offering best practices and concrete steps to for companies of all sizes to help protect kids on their platforms, including the Industry Hash Sharing program and PhotoDNA.
Thorn’s commercial product, Safer, is the first comprehensive solution for platforms to identify, remove and report child sexual abuse material.
EMPOWER the public. Here’s where we share what we’ve learned. It’s all about preventing further abuse. We’re getting the word out – increasing awareness and starting conversations.
THORN’s Vision
Eliminate child sexual abuse material from the internet.
Working to deter the problem ~ Child Sexual Abuse Material
The internet has made it too easy for abusers to share child sexual abuse material (legally known as child pornography). They create images and videos with an audience in mind. That content gets shared widely beyond the initial targets – recirculating the image, perpetuating the abuse and retraumatizing the child.
Help prevent child sexual abuse.
BE AWARE.
Educate yourself on child abuse and the intersection with technology.
TALK.
Stay active and engaged with your community to keep an eye out for signs of child abuse. Talk to your children about abuse and the unique risks on the internet.
GET TO KNOW THE CHILDREN IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
They won’t be able to ask for help once something goes wrong and will need you to have your eyes open.
SUPPORT ORGANIZATIONS
… working to prevent abuse and provide survivors with resources. Get to know those in your community as well.
Do you know what GROOMING is?
Do you know what SEXTORTION is?
What is grooming?
Text NOFILTR to 741741 for immediate assistance.
A term used broadly to describe the tactics abusers deploy through the internet to sexually exploit kids and teens.
See also: online safety, grooming, groomer
https://nofiltr.org/
https://nofiltr.org/grooming/#talks
https://nofiltr.org/resources/
We’ve all heard about it or seen it (maybe on snap, in school, or even with friends) someone’s nudes are getting passed around. But who is to blame?
What about the rando that thought it’d be cool to pass it on to 10 friends in a group chat?
Nah, sharing someone else’s nudes is never okay.
STOP SEXTORTION
SEXTORTION
YUP. IT’S A THING.
It’s the threat to reveal intimate images to get you to do something you don’t want to do
If you’re being sextorted, GET HELP NOW – TEXT “THORN” TO 741741
Get Help
From: Stop Sextortion
SEXTORTION
YUP. IT’S A THING.
It’s the threat to reveal intimate images to get you to do something you don’t want to do
TIPS FOR ADULTS
Talk to your kids about sextortion.
THIS IS HARD, BUT YOU’RE ALREADY DOING GREAT BY BEING HERE.
Your children are safer because of your support and guidance through all of life’s challenges. Safety in the digital age is new, and chances are your children feel more comfortable navigating digital communities than you do, while knowing less than they need to stay safe. There are a few things you can do to help your child avoid getting into tricky, and sometimes dangerous, situations like sextortion.
You play an important role in students’ lives and as new threats emerge, it is important to stay ahead of the trends. Teens clearly told us that you are often the first line of defense.
When an individual experiences sextortion, they’re often experiencing it simultaneously on multiple platforms. We know technology can be misused, so it is important to adopt industry standard best practices so that bad actors have fewer places to hide and victims can be adequately protected. Be sure to invest in your safety policies early to keep sextortion off your platform.
Our kids are trying to navigate community and connection in the digital age, while we’re trying to keep up with keeping them safe. Unfortunately, technology moves faster than our laws are able to respond to new abuse trends. By learning about these trends – like sextortion – and including them in your policy agenda, you can help kids feel safe and supported.
From: Stop Sextortion
THORN FOR PARENTS
Announced on September 9, 2021. . .
For parents concerned about their child’s digital safety as they grow up online, we’ve compiled resources, developed conversation guides, and much more to help parents navigate even the most awkward conversations with care and confidence. Here for your talks, awkward pauses and all.
BE YOUR KID’S SAFETY NET
Kids today face a very different set of challenges. There’s a whole new landscape where a child’s relationship with technology and normal sexual development overlap, with a whole new set of experiences online. And they need your help to navigate it safely.
TOPICS: Sexting & Nudes | Device Access & Monitoring | A Balanced Approach |
For Parents, Family Members, Teachers, Educators, Young Adults & Teens
Internet Safety for Kids | How to Keep Your Kids Safe Online
(Source: Consumernotice.org | Written By : Terry Turner | Edited By : Kim Borwick | Last Modified: August 18, 2021)
Threats to children’s internet safety include invasions of privacy, cyberbullying, sexting and harassment. Options to protect your children include parental controls, apps and tracking software. But the most effective way to keep your kids safe is to talk with them about online risks, how to avoid them and how they can come to you when something goes wrong.
Internet safety for kids depends on parents being aware of online risks and understanding how to help their children and teens avoid them.
Almost every American child and teen has access to the internet. They socialize in online games or on smartphones just as they would on a playground. They live largely in a digital community. But like any community, there are risks and dangers.
Parents are the best suited to monitor kids’ online activity. They are also the most trusted adults most kids will turn to if they experience online dangers. Understanding what your children or teens do online is vital to protecting them from digital threats. . .
What Are Kids Doing Online?
~ 30 percent have used the internet in ways their parents wouldn’t approve
~ 21 percent have visited sites where they can chat with strangers
~ 17 percent have visited porn sites
~ 11 percent have visited sites that offer ways to cheat on homework
~ 4 percent have visited online gambling sites
Source: Children’s Internet Usage Study, Center for Cyber Safety and Education (Grades 4-8)
TOPICS in article:
♦ How Children and Teens Get Online
♦ Online Dangers to Discuss with Your Kids
♦ How to Set Rules
♦ Steps You Can Take to Protect Your Children Online
♦ Using Tech and Apps to Protect Your Kids Online
♦ Monitoring, Tracking and Limiting Your Child’s Online Activity
♦ Filtering Out Inappropriate Content
♦ How to Teach Your Kids to Use Their Smartphones Responsibly
♦ Your Child’s First Smartphone | 5 Things to Think About
♦ Make Sure Your Teen Understands the Dangers of Texting and Driving
♦ Teaching Your Teens How to Use Social Media Safely
♦ Tips for Teen Safety on Social Media
♦ Cyberbullying Prevention
♦ Signs Your Child Is Being Cyberbullied
♦ What Parents Can Do to Deal With Cyberbullies
♦ Teach Your Child How to Stand Up for Cyberbully Victims
♦ How to Talk to Your Teens About Sexting | 5 Things to Tell Your Teens About Sexting
♦ What You Should Know About Your Kids and Online Gaming
♦ How to Keep Your Child Safe in Online Gaming
♦ What to Do If Your Child’s Safety Is Threatened Online
UNICEF
While UNICEF is known for its dedication to many causes, one of its missions is to put a stop to all child trafficking.
UNICEF works to combat the issue by helping adults attain a livable wage to encourage children to stay in school instead of providing for their families.
The organization also lobbies for stronger child protection laws and supporting the training of professionals who either have to mentally support victims or identify them at borders.
To help the cause, you can either donate to UNICEF or support one of their events centered around bringing awareness to the issue.
U.S. Dept of Justice Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation
COMPLAINT LINE: 1-888-428-7581
Call to report suspected human trafficking or worker exploitation, or contact your local FBI office.
Offers foreign language translation in most languages, as well as TTY. After business hours, the Hotline has a message service in English, Spanish, Russian and Mandarin.
Local FBI numbers can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/field-offices
List of Organizations that Combat Human Trafficking Around the World
“This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by adding missing items with reliable sources.”
This is a list of organizations with a primary, or significant, commitment to ending human trafficking.
About WomensLaw.org
(En Español)
Despite its name, WomensLaw.org provides information that is relevant to people of all genders, not just women. Our Email Hotline will provide legal information to anyone who reaches out with legal questions or concerns regarding domestic violence, sexual violence, or any other topic covered on WomensLaw.org.
About Abuse
These pages provide an overview of domestic violence and sexual assault as well as more detailed information about specific forms of abuse.
- Am I Being Abused? (Danger Assessment; Signs of Abuse)
- Forms of Abuse (Abuse Using Technology; Domestic Violence/Teen Violence; Emotional Abuse; Financial Abuse; Reproductive Abuse & Coercion; Sexual Abuse & Exploitation; Stalking & Cyberstalking; Litigation Abuse)
- Abuse in Specific Communities (Abuse Among People Living with AIDS/HIV; Abuse in Immigrant Communities; Abuse in Tribal Communities; Information for Teens & Young Adults; LBGTQIA Victims; Male Victims; Abuse in Jewish Community; Elder Abuse
- Safety Tips (Domestic Violence Victims; Stalking Victims; Safety Planning with Children; Safety in a Confidential Address; Safety in Court; Safety in Rural Areas; Safety While Using the Internet; Safety While Using Social Media
- In the Workplace (Sexual Harassment by a Co-Worker or Boss; Workplace Restraining Orders (filed by Employer)
Find Help (US Map)
Find Help for Yourself and for Others | WomensLaw.org
Click on your state (in the map or in the drop-down menu) to find contact information for:
- advocates in local domestic violence programs and shelters;
- legal assistance organizations;
- courthouse locations where you can file for a protection order; and
- sheriff departments. If you need to talk to someone about an abusive relationship, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.
Legal Information (US Map)
Legal Information | WomensLaw.org
- Know the laws – By State
- Preparing for Court – By Yourself
- Immigration
- Federal Gun Laws
- Domestic Violence in the Military
- Videos
Helping Others
Helping Others | WomensLaw.org
- Family, Friends, Co-Workers
- Advocates
- Lawyers
- Doctors, Healthcare Professionals
- Salon Professionals
Womens Law Email Hotline: WomensLaw.org Email Hotline
Other Helpful Information:
Advocates and Shelters | WomensLaw.org (drop-down menu for your State)
National Organizations | WomensLaw.org (listed by subject matter)
Chat Rooms and Message Boards | WomensLaw.org
There are a variety of support services available to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault on the Internet. We have listed some of these resources.
Additional Resources
Source: Dolman (dolmanlaw.com) Resources for Human Trafficking Reporting and Assistance
What is Human Trafficking? | Recognizing signs of Human Trafficking
National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888
Text “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733 or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org
The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, at 1-800-THE-LOST or http://www.cybertipline.com/
National Center of Sexual Exploitation https://endsexualexploitation.org/about/ | Resources: https://endsexualexploitation.org/resources/
FBI tip page https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/field-offices
Local FBI numbers can be found at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/field-offices
National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/training/nhttac
Runaway and Homeless Youth Training and Technical Assistance Center https://www.rhyttac.net/
Global Modern Slavery Directory https://www.globalmodernslavery.org/
Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center https://www.ovcttac.gov/
“A Parent’s Guide: Teen Acronyms, Emojis, Hashtags and Slang and Online Safety Guidelines.” (https://www.asafeplacetogo.com)
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- Advocates and Shelters | WomensLaw.org (drop-down menu for your State)
- Click here to enter your zip code: Find Domestic Violence and Abuse Help, Information and Stats (domesticshelters.org)
Domestic Violence Support | The National Domestic Violence Hotline (thehotline.org)
- National Organizations | WomensLaw.org (listed by subject matter)
- Chat Rooms and Message Boards | WomensLaw.org
- VictimConnect (serves victims of crime in US (including assault, abuse, domestic violence, teen dating violence, trafficking, stalking, etc.), and make local referrals.
Mental Health Resources