Grace As Justice Nov. 2016, Vol. 1, Issue 7

GRACEASJUSTICE gr aceasju st ice.com Volu m e 1, Issu e 7

A dorned in Grace Fai r Trade LA

Novem ber 2016

Free To Hope

A b olit ion N ow Freedom Challenge

ECPATCanada

TA BLE O F C O N TEN TS Editorial

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- Rach ael William s-M ejr i

Redefining Freedom

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- Abby M or t en son , Fr ee Th e Gir ls

Biblical Mandate to Cultural

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Transformers - Gw en Bollan t , Ph .D., Blazin g Hope Ran ch

How Fair Trade Empowers

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Artisans and Fights Human Trafficking - Kr ist een Sin gh , Joan Har per , Fair Tr ade LA

Book Review: Scars and Stilettos

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- Rach ael William s-M ejr i

Demand Abolition: Stop Sex Trafficking at the Source - Dh ak ir War r en , Dem an d Abolit ion

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Adorned in Grace

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- M olly Flor es, Ador n ed in Gr ace

The Roll of Education and

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Trafficking Prevention - Dar len e New t on , ECPAT Can ada

Born to Fly

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Freedom Challenge

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- Tin a Yeager

Free2Hope

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- Am y Leen er t s

The Tea Trade Café

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- Br it t an y Jacobson , W.A.R. In t l.

Mekong Club

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Bridging the Gap

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- Jen n a Fu n k h ou ser , Abolit ion Now

Along The Way - Rebecca Cassel

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ED ITOR IA L As we move into our last issue for 2016, I am excited to see all of the wonderful things being done in the United States and Canada to end human trafficking and slavery. There are so many voices being raised around the world, and many people doing things in hopes of starting an unstoppable chain reaction that will finally end slavery forever.

These are turbulent times, with wars, rumors of wars, corruption, violence and political arenas that have nothing but people screaming ?me, me, me!? If you are one of the millions (perhaps billions?) of people listening to hot air with no substance, let me assure you this is not what you will find at Grace As Justice.

All of the agencies here are working to save and restore lives. All of them have been in the business of helping people for varying periods of time. Yet one thing remains sure: these are people of action and not just words.

My hope is that you will take time out to peruse these pages and see where you might fit in to help end slavery in the United States and Canada. You can make a difference. Just do what?s in your hand and we will end this atrocity together.

Do What' s in Y our Hand

FreetheGirls You can m ak e a differ en ce.

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RedefiningFreedom: How you can mak e a di f f erence i n th e l i v es of surv i v ors. part to coverage by CNN Freedom Project, Kimba?s garage was filled with over 20,000 bras! The story goes on to include some incredible people who stepped in to help ship the bras, and connections that enabled Free The Girls to expand the program.

Fr ee Th e Gir ls

began as a dream in 2011 to help survivors of human trafficking and sexual exploitation in Mozambique have a more promising and hopeful future. Dave Terpstra was preparing to move his family to Mozambique and on a scouting trip quickly realized the desperate need for a sustainable income for this vulnerable population. He noticed that selling used clothing could be a profitable business in Maputo, Mozambique, and that bras in particular, are a commodity that can make up to three times the average wage. Dave saw this as an exciting opportunity and connected with his friend in Denver, Colorado, Kimba Langas. Kimba loved the idea and knew that gently used bras were something that could easily be collected here in North America. She began a Facebook page and asked people if they?d be willing to send their bras to her so she could send to Dave in Mozambique. To her surprise, thousands of women across the U.S. started sending their bras. In just a few months, thanks in

Redef in in g

Fr eedom

is something we?re passionate about. We now know that the physical, emotional, and holistic effects of slavery require a holistic approach to healing and an understanding of what ?freedom? truly means. It does not only mean being removed from the trafficking situation, but it involves deeper healing and creative opportunities for these survivors. For our brave women across the globe, one thing they needed was an opportunity that would empower them, one that would equip them to run their own business and thrive. We now work in two additional countries, Uganda and El Salvador in addition to Mozambique. The women in the programs have done incredible things with this opportunity, and have shared some of their own words on what

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?freedom? means to them.

Oppor t u n it y t o Par t n er

with Free The Girls and courageous women across the globe. We love that our vision involves everyday abolitionists like you. Those who care about injustices in the world, those who feel called to not only care, but to do something. Because of people like you, Free The Girls has collected and shipped over 600,000 bras, over 60 women have build their own businesses or found outside sustainable employment, and these survivors are now changing the path of vulnerability into a path of a free and hopeful future for generations to come!

If you or someone you know has a bra or two that you no longer need, please

consider sending it to Free The Girls.

You can feel good about knowing that in Mozambique, the sale of just 3 bras equals minimum wage for one day. We have drop-off locations around the U.S., and we also have an address you can ship your bras to. All of this information can be found on our website at www.freethegirls.org. We have other various opportunities to get involved and love hearing your creative ideas.

Please get in touch with us if you?d like to connect. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram, and at our website. Our desire is to see a world where ALL are free - and we?re so grateful for your partnership in this eternally important work.

?Peace. Danger was the way from before. Now I?m open and free.?

-Fatima, a woman in our Mozambique program I'm Abby Mortenson, a social worker, creative entrepreneur, and foster mom living in Colorado Springs, Colorado. I currently work with Free The Girls and I love being a part of engaging and inspiring people to join in the fight against human trafficking. I believe we all have a significant role to play in bringing hope and healing to our brothers and sisters around the world.

?Being free, I think, is not being intimidated. Just being yourself.

No one is driving you, but you are driving yourself.?

-Stella, a woman in our Uganda program

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ABiblical Mandate tobe Cultural Transformers

By Dr . Gw en Bollan t

Working with trafficked children in the third world gave me new insights to street culture. It was like opening a hidden door that ran a parallel universe to the one in which I lived. Previously I had seen street children every day, gave them money to watch or ?bantay? my car and got frustrated when they stole the hubcaps and mirrors. Yet I never

really saw them until they became personal and my life became immersed in loving and caring for them. When I returned to the U.S. and saw the everyday signs of human trafficking it left me in a state of shock that no one else saw what I felt were obvious signs.

For example, one day as I was going to my daughter ?s golf tournament, I pulled off at an exit where there was a very popular truck stop. It surprised me that there were so many trucks at such a small country exit until I saw the adult book store across the street, and behind the truck stop a big barn with no windows on the second floor and a large sign advertising ?Asian Massage.?

That same summer I took a closer look at the Hispanic farm labor and again was shocked when I spoke with close friends who hire a crew boss to bring in laborers for their harvest. There is no interaction between the laborers and the owners, and the crew boss is the one who receives pay and is responsible for the legality of the labor. Another incident involved a friend of mine who worked at a clinic. One day a young, shy, fearful Hispanic girl come into the

clinic with 3 children of 3 different fathers and my friend wondered why she seemed so afraid if she was so promiscuous. It is time for us to seriously look under the surface layer and ask: ?Is she/he being trafficked??

My doctoral research was migrant organ theft and once again we have the myopic perspective that something as heinous as stealing of one?s organs only takes place "over there."

A private detective was following up on a job applicant for security purposes at my work place here in the U.S., and as we spoke of my dissertation he shared of an organ trafficking ring bust Miami.

This organ trafficking ring was targeting migrants and more specifically illegal migrants as they are most vulnerable.

The most vulnerable and isolated are the easiest to prey upon; so, migrants without the safety net of family are often a target for trafficking. Due to fear of deportation, illegal migrants will often not seek help or make a police report.

This problem is exacerbated by cultural and linguistic barriers.

The modus operandi of migrant traffickers is typically as follows: 1. Hold the passport for safe-keeping. 2. Assure a situation of indentured labor. 3. Create and reinforce fear of deportation so the migrant will not contact local authorities

to report abuse of withheld wages, forced long hours, sexual, physical and verbal abuse. With sex trafficking there is often drug addiction used as a means of control as well. These steps give the trafficker power over and control of the migrant so that they can use them for profit.

" Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, f or you were aliens in Egypt? I f you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry? (New I nternational Version, Exodus 22: 21).

The prophets of the Old Testament were a voice against injustice and a voice for God. The following Bible scriptures give a picture of God?s desire concerning justice.

"Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt? If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry? (NIV, Exodus 22:21). ?Hear this, you who trample the needy and do away with the poor of the land,... buying the poor with silver and the needy for a pair of sandals, ? The LORD has sworn ? "I will never forget anything they

have done? (Amos 8:4-10, NIV). ?The LORD looked that there was no there was no one; there was no one 59:15-16, NIV).

and was displeased justice. He saw that he was appalled that to intervene? (Isaiah

We as Christians have a Biblical mandate to do justice. We need to be more aware of the human trafficking culture, and have our eyes opened to the parallel universe next door if we are going to be a voice against injustice and cultural transformers of this odious crime.

?Rescu e t h ose bei n g l ed t o sl a u gh t er d o n ot sa y ?I d i d n ot k n ow ?. I f you sa y, "Bu t we k n ew n ot h i n g a bou t t h i s," d oes n ot h e wh o wei gh s t h e h ea rt percei ve i t ? D oes n ot h e wh o gu a rd s you r l i fe k n ow i t ? W i l l h e n ot repa y ea ch person a ccord i n g t o wh a t h e h a s d on e?? (N ew I n t ern a t i on a l Versi on , Proverbs 24:11- 12).

Dr. Gwen Bollant was a missionary in the Philippines, where she founded an orphanage, a primary health care clinic as well as a number of programs for street children. During those years in the Philippines she heard from different families of their fears for their daughters who had gone overseas to work as domestic helpers. Her doctoral research focused on families?stories of the loss of their daughters and the return of the corpses missing organs. She wrote her dissertation on organ theft amongst Filipina migrants. She is a passionate advocate for justice.

Currently she works as VP of Operations at Oxford Graduate School (OGS). OGS equips leaders to change the world within their sphere of influence. Dr. Bollant serves on the Board of Directors for Blazing Hope Ranch, a home for trafficked women in the Tennessee Valley that focuses on healing Christian counseling and equestrian therapy.

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FAIR TRADE LA

by Kr ist een Sin gh an d Joan Har per .

This generates over $32 billion in profits. They indicate that the most common form of human trafficking is sexual where victims are mostly women and girls. The second most common form is forced labor. Around 20% of trafficking victims are children.

As a parent what is the worst thing you could imagine for your child? The parents of Sonali (not her real name) witnessed this horror first hand. ?At thirteen, Sonali was stolen from her village, dragged to the back streets of Sonagacchi and sold into prostitution.

Her first customer drugged and raped her unconscious body.? (Freeset).

One movement helping to end modern day slavery is the Fair Trade movement. Women who receive employment opportunities and fair wages for making products are able to support their families and feel empowered. A family whose daughter or wife can earn money and receive resources is less likely to be sold or the woman herself is less likely to become a victim of desperate and dangerous alternatives.

A $32 billion annual industry, modern day trafficking is a type of slavery that involves the transport or trade of people for the purpose of work (UNICEF). Often children are trafficked into labor positions such as textile and agriculture. Women and girls are typically trafficked into the commercial sex industry. Those affected often tend to be those in extreme poverty with minimal economic opportunities. The difficulties of taking care of their hungry children can lead to dire actions. Others are sold by their families, tricked or kidnapped.

?There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness.?

According to UNICEF, over 21 million people are trafficked around the world.

Mahatma Gandhi.

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I work with a small project called rHope which works to support livelihoods of impoverished and under resourced women in India. Last year I worked with our partner organizations and the women we support in India.

The experiences with these women were incredible. The days I was there with our partner organization Chhoti Si Asha and founder Liza, involved creating new designs for rHope, sourcing fabrics and seeing the impact of our work through shared prayers, laughter and food.

Photo of Saroj, Bina and Kristeen enjoying Holi

The women live in the Janta Colony slum in Punjab, India. A slum is a heavily populated, informal urban settlement. While slums vary in size and other characteristics, most lack sanitation services, clean water, electricity, law enforcement and other basic services.

People live in poorly built, deteriorated buildings. Often, several family members live in one or two rooms.

The women we work with have come from challenging backgrounds. Yet despite that, women like Shiv invited me into their homes for tea and to meet their families. Shiv has two children and both are studying thanks to the income she earns from making handbags. In tears she told me how she remembers the day she was stopped from going to school. She has done everything in her power to provide better opportunities for her children. Her husband helps by working as a bus driver. She shares: ?the biggest thing I?m happy about is the opportunity my children have now.?

Coming to work every day, the women find a peaceful sanctuary. Before working, some of them weren?t confident to even leave their

Photo of Manju, Manju's son Ravindar, and Kristeen.

Photo credits: Purnesh Dev

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homes, but now they go to the markets, have bank accounts, ride city buses and more. Thankfully, because of opportunities to work in a dignified and an empowering way, Shiv has not been subjected to human trafficking. It is these stories that fuel our passion at rHope.

We have found that when women earn, it goes to support the family directly. The women earning means that their daughters receive education and help break the cycle of poverty.

With the help of our customers, we are able to raise the standard of living in a holistic way through our on the ground partner. The women receive skills-training, income generation, financial management, access to health care, and education for themselves and their families.

Above: Photo of Michele Rolph, Fair Trade LA Campaign Coordinator and Joan Harper, Fair Trade LA Executive Director

Left: Photo of Shiv working Photo credit: Purnesh Dev

An ot h er r eason t o su ppor t Fair Tr ade in clu des t h e issu e of exploit at ion of w or k er s.

As many of you know, on Nov 24th 2012, over 1,000 people lost their lives in the Rana Plaza Bangladesh factory in Bangladesh due to the factory?s collapse. This is a stark example of garment workers paying the price for cheap clothing.

A government inspector had ordered an evacuation the previous day after large

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cracks had appeared in the walls. But on the morning of the collapse, factory managers persuaded workers to return, telling them it was safe. In some cases managers threatened them with dismissal if they did not comply. This factory was producing for major western retailers. There are many other factories that are also built poorly.

Many popular brands we buy in the U.S. place relentless price and delivery

pressure on local contractors. Local contractors meet these demands by ignoring worker rights and safety standards to cut costs and speed production. Local governments ignore the conditions of these factories because they want these companies to operate in their countries and don?t have proper laws for workers or environmental protection. Workers are often working in dangerous, oppressive conditions, and inadequate wages.

receiving

As consumers, we need to think about the clothes we wear and the impact it has on the world. Many hearts and hands go into making our clothes. Over the years the price of a shirt has gone down, but not the cost. By purchasing Fair Trade, you can trust that the clothes you buy incorporate the Fair Trade principles of supporting safe working conditions, paying promptly/fairly, and not using any child labor.

Another viable solution to ending trafficking is to join with Fair Trade Campaigns, a powerful grassroots movement mobilizing thousands of conscious consumers and Fair Trade advocates at schools, on campuses, in towns and congregations across the USA. We are part of a global effort to normalize Fair Trade as an institutional practice and consumer preference across 24 countries and on six

continents. As mentioned, Fair Trade is an alternative trade movement that identifies products which meet criteria such as: fair price for product, safe working conditions, no abusive or forced child labor, community development and adherence to environmental standards designed to protect the planet. Fair Trade helps to mitigate the circumstances that lead to human trafficking by contributing to more secure, sustainable and empowered communities. It is a choice that consumers can make to pro-actively

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address issues like trafficking. Fair Trade Campaigns currently includes Fair Trade Towns, Fair Trade Colleges & Universities, Fair Trade Congregations and Fair Trade Schools. To learn more about this important work visit Fair Trade Campaigns.

Photo of Janta colony Photo Credit: DIR

Joan Har per is the Executive Director of Fair Trade LA

Kr ist een Sin gh is a Social Entrepreneur

a natural connector and networker who mobilizes communities for causes. She has over 7 years of experience with nonprofits in community building, project, volunteer and event management. She has over 3 years of experience in corporate human resources and is the Founder of rHope. rHope is about empowered purchasing. It is a social enterprise that builds sustainable livelihoods for underprivileged women in India by selling quality

Sources: https://www.unicefusa.org/stories/infographic-global-human-trafficking-statistics) http://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/human-trafficking/global-report-on-trafficking-in-persons.html

ScarsandStilettos BOOK REVIEW

by Rach ael William s-M ejr i Scars and Stilettos by Harmony Dust is one of the best books I have read to date. Her book is not a sexualized, graphic piece designed to horrify, shock or overwhelm. It is not sensationalized and yet it is also not something that often sits well with individuals who believe they have God properly stowed away in His box, and their lives perfectly insulated so that they can smugly judge the rest of the world. Harmony?s book addresses five areas very well:

childhood and the way that it shaped her to be easily sucked into abuse. She is unable to see the person taking advantage of her as she grows older, and she holds onto him in spite of being painfully used.

She has great hopes of being a psychologist and studies very hard in school, yet she is presented with an option to pay the bills that she would not even consider ? at first. Over time, a toxic cocktail of emotions brings her to the point of agreeing to do something that made her feel dirty and ashamed.

She began stripping with the understanding she would not continue for long. However, no one gets out of that industry.

1. How a turbulent home is a setup for failure.

2. How nice girls get sucked into things they don?t want to do.

3. Christian representation isn?t the way the media portrays it.

4. God doesn?t mind getting ?His hands dirty.?

5. Love (and grace) really does conquer all and sets one onto a path of restoration.

Harmony gives the reader a candid look into her turbulent, and in many ways abusive upbringing. While Harmony loves her mother, she does not soften the issues that surrounded her

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Along the way, Harmony encounters a Christian woman who accepts instead of judges her, and ends up asking her to church. Harmony didn?t know much about Christians, but she was convinced they wouldn?t be interested in strippers.

Nevertheless, she took the offer one day and encountered people who loved her and would stick with her as she started the process of leaving the business.

It might be offensive for some people to find out that Harmony would attend church and then strip afterwards.

However, her experience is perhaps more realistic than many would admit.

Her healing was gradual and started from the deepest parts of herself. It appeared no real change was taking place, but the roots were being replanted.

Harmony Dust?s experience is an excellent glimpse into a world many do not understand. The reader will not only pierce the darkness that surrounds the industry, but she also has an inside look into the suffering of those the system exploits. The reader will hopefully have a greater understanding of, and compassion for those bound by darkness.

?H e was the kind of God who shows up at strip clubs and seeks after guys like Tony, and after girls like me.?

H armony D ust, Scars and Stilettos You can click h er e t o visit Har m on y 's w ebsit e I'm a Treasure.

Ot h er m in ist r ies t h at h elp w om en escape t h e sex in du st r y Hook er s f or Jesu s Redeem ed M in ist r ies We Ar e Ch er ish ed Scar let Hope

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DEM AND ABOLITION St oppin g sex t r af f ick in g at it s sou r ce

by Dh ak ir War r en The term ?trafficking? can be misleading.

To many it implies movement, like the crossing of borders. In America, many of us think of human trafficking as an ?over there? problem. It?s a sad tragedy that happens in other countries, or to foreign-born people who are smuggled into the country? not something that occurs to our citizens. This is far from the truth. Dom est ic h u m an t r af f ick in g, especially sex t r af f ick in g, is widespread in the United States and affects many thousands of people, particularly women and children.

Economic desperation. Physical force.

Psychological coercion.

Crippling addiction. These are just a few of the reasons adults are forced into prostitution. In cases involving minors, the exploited are often already victims of sexual and physical abuse? making them especially vulnerable to traffickers.

Once caught up in this exploitative system, adults and children alike are subjected to unthinkable levels of trauma. Whether a person is forced, tricked, or coerced into prostitution, or sees selling sex as her only option for survival, the illegal sex industry thrives on hopelessness and vulnerability.

So h ow do w e st op it ? Providing better opportunities for people trapped in the

sex trade and arresting those who keep them there are crucial first steps. But for every pimp and trafficker put in jail, someone else is willing to take his place and profits as long as there are customers with money to spend.

To en d sex t r af f ick in g, w e n eed t o at t ack t h e sou r ce? t h e sex bu yer s w ho f ill pim ps? pock et s an d per pet u at e t h is in du st r y. We need to hold buyers accountable with arrests and heavy fines? not slaps on the wrist? and provide them with the help they need to stop buying when applicable. Unlike traffickers or their victims, sex buyers often work full-time jobs, hold places of respect in their communities, have families, and are in committed relationships. They are the ones with the most to lose, and therefore the m ost lik ely t o be det er r ed if f aced w it h r eal legal an d social r am if icat ion s. With fewer sex buyers funding their bank accounts, the incentives for traffickers would diminish.

In time the industry? and all the harms inherent to it? would disappear.

That?s why at Demand Abolition, we?re working to stop the demand for illegal commercial sex in the U.S. No buyers means no business; and that means no more suffering. We?re collaborating with

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a wide range of stakeholders to come up with new ways to reduce sex-buying and the many crimes associated with it.

An d, ch an ces ar e, w e?r e doin g it in a t ow n or cit y n ear you . Our CEASE Network (Cities Empowered Against Sexual Exploitation) is active in 12 of the nation?s largest cities and counties with a total population of 50 million. The network brings together trafficking survivors, concerned citizens, police officers, community activists, mayors,

attorney generals and other elected officials to devise new ways to fight the commercial sexual exploitation happening in our backyards.

Through research and collaboration with our CEASE partners, we are identifying, testing, and disseminating demand-reduction interventions that are effective, sustainable, pragmatic, and respectful. Together, we can stop sex-buying and make communities that are safer for all.

Click here to learn about how you can get involved in the CEASE Network, or email demandabolition@huntalternatives.org.

Dhakir Warren

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Senior, Social Innovation Manager, Demand Abolition

Ador ned in Gr ace A CONVERSATION WITH A LOCAL OFFICER AS WE OPEN OUR NEXT ANTI-TRAFFICKING BOUTIQUE

by Molly Flores

?It couldn?t happen to my child or anyone I know, because they?re good kids.?

This common misconception about sex trafficking, couldn?t be further from the truth. ?Sex trafficking is happening closer than you think? or want to think,? says John Rasmussen, Public Outreach Officer of the Gresham Police Department. ?It?s only through education that people begin to understand that [sex trafficking] isn?t like it is on television. The vast majority of victims are not taken hostage in the traditional sense; it?s more so a systematic degradation of someone?s moral compass instead.?

Officer Rasmussen often finds that these youth are simply put in inappropriate situations. ?They can be a young boy or girl sending an explicit picture to someone, who tries to shame

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them and threaten them with exposure (sextortion). They can be a runaway looking for a place to stay and then made to feel obligated to pay a debt.?

The reality is that these victims can be anyone, including your child or someone else you love.

It?s tough to fathom the idea that one of these innocent victims could be someone you know. People don?t like to acknowledge the truth of the matter as it?s easier to shield their eyes and pretend like sex trafficking doesn?t exist here. But it does.

One of the biggest myths about sex trafficking is that it only happens in large cities - mostly internationally. In fact, it?s happening right here in America. Sex trafficking also isn?t limited to immigrant children or kids of low socioeconomic status. As a member of the local sex trafficking task force here in Oregon,

Officer Rasmussen knows how misplaced these beliefs are. ?We?ve seen firsthand that trafficking includes youth from all walks of life - youth whose vulnerabilities are exploited in a number of ways.?

While the average age of entry into sex trafficking is during the teen years, the abuse can continue well into adult years.

Even if victims are fortunate enough to escape ?the life?, sexual victimization affects every aspect of their lives going forward - school, relationships, choices to engage in risky behavior, the work they choose (or don?t choose), and more.

Yes, the first step in fighting human trafficking is admitting that there is a problem, but the second step is equally as important: educating yourself and others around you about the problem. Becoming aware of how big of a problem sex trafficking is and how it affects you can prevent this from happening to people you love and can possibly help save someone?s life.

For example, the omnipresence of technology makes it important to understand the dangers it presents and how it can be used to take advantage of young people. As a preventative measure, Gresham PD proactively works with at-risk youth who exhibit concerning behaviors (drug use, running away, sexting, isolation, etc.) that may be precursors to exploitation. ?We talk with families about the dangers of the Internet and social media, showing them how these tools are used to more easily reach our children and prey on their vulnerabilities,? Officer Rasmussen says.

In addition to gaining an understanding that the sexual exploitation of children is happening right here in our area, we need to talk about it with our family and friends so they?re aware and so that someone who may be vulnerable to

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victimization knows it?s okay to talk about it too. Officer Rasmussen also reminds us that the easiest thing you can do to help is to remember ?If you see something, say something.? Don?t be afraid to be concerned and bring that concern to light. Maybe it?s your daughter texting someone she probably shouldn?t be. Or your neighbor ?s kid hanging out with the wrong crowd.

Whatever it is, we must continue to voice awareness by having these conversations, even about such a tough topic.

Outside of education and awareness,

survivors. ?Organizations like Adorned in Grace are important because they become a part of the community,? Officer Rasmussen says. ?They work hard to spread awareness and provide an outlet (financial, volunteer-based) for the next step needed for those who want to help end human trafficking.?

there are many other simple ways to contribute. One of these ways is Adorned in Grace Bridal Shop.

Adorned in Grace is a volunteer-run shop that sells heavily discounted wedding dresses, both new and used.

These dresses have been donated by brides from all around the country or dress shops that can?t hold the inventory; proceeds from the shop go toward helping victims and survivors of human trafficking.

Shopping at Adorned in Grace can not only help to alleviate the financial headache of shopping for a wedding dress, but also allow people to know their money is going to a worthy cause. With the success of the first shop in Raleigh Hills, OR, Adorned in Grace was recently able to open up a second shop right here in Gresham, OR with the hope of continuing to bring awareness to sex trafficking in the area. A sister store in Tacoma, WA is also launching online sales to fun prevntion work and job training for than we think or that we want to think. ?Awareness of the problem is the beginning of the end. But like GI Joe said: ?Knowing is half the battle? and supporting organizations like Adorned in Grace can be your next step.?

To learn more about how you can help or to donate a wedding dress, please visit www.adornedingrace.org.

Most importantly, Officer Rasmussen says that we need to remember that sex trafficking of youth is happening closer

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Molly Flores is the Communications Volunteer and Adorned in Grace Sales Associate Volunteer

THE ROLL OF EDUCATION AND TRAFFICKING PREVENTION

by Dar len e New t on ECPAT Can ada Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada was formed in 1996 with the mission of stopping Canadian sexual predators from abusing children with impunity, beyond Canada?s borders. As a result, now all Canadians who sexually abuse children or engage in child sexual imagery in foreign jurisdictions can be held accountable at home under Canadian law, through the ?Prober Amendment,? named for Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada co-founder Rosalind Prober.

Today, Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada is the Canadian representative of ECPAT International, with a head office in Winnipeg, MB, Canada. It is staffed entirely by volunteers and a team of pro-bono lawyers who monitor and intervene in legal cases involving child sexual imagery (often mistakenly referred to as child pornography), Internet luring, and other acts of child sexual exploitation. Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada works in many ways to

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educate and to protect children.

The ?Man to Man? campaign was created based on the fact that 90 percent of sex crimes against children are committed by men and that silence by other men gives consent. Men need to speak out man to man and send the clear message that sexual exploitation of children is never okay. The faces of Man to Man are well-known Canadian men prominent athletes, actors, musicians and media personalities. The men take action with initiatives that are creative and diverse. ?Socks Up for Kids? was created by Man to Man member and pro baseball player Max Poulin. Poulin enlisted players on Canadian and American teams to wear their socks high at games to raise awareness and donations. The message to man up from the men who took part is loud and clear and you can view it by clicking here. ?Text Me,? a ballet on the subject of

sexual luring, was choreographed by Man to Man member Philippe Jacques and performed by dancers of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet Aspirant program. The ballet received a 5-star rating when it was performed at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival and was an effective way to present a subject that is becoming more and more prevalent to a wide and varied audience.

Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada honors journalists and advocates through national awards presentations.

The Beyond Borders Media Awards recognize journalists who raise

awareness about child sexual exploitation. The Rosalind Prober Award for Advocacy recognizes citizens who have worked to combat the sexual victimization of children and youth.

Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada also administers the Code in Canada, - the Code of Conduct to protect children from sexual exploitation in travel and tourism. Signatories to the Code establish policy and procedures against sexual exploitation of children and train their employees in how to prevent and how to report suspected cases.

To find out more contact our President Darlenenewton@beyondborders.org 204 880-2567. Visit us at Beyond Borders and follow us @beyond_borders

Darlene Newton has been active with Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada since 2010 when she joined the Board of Directors, then served as Media Awards Co-Chair before becoming President. Recently retired as a Career Counsellor with Canada?s Robertson College, Darlene has a twenty-year history in the travel industry and is a Council Member for ACTA ? the Association of Canadian Travel Agencies.

In addition to directing all aspects of Beyond Borders ECPAT Canada?s advocacy initiatives, her area of expertise is SECTT ? the sexual exploitation of children in travel and tourism.

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WHAT CAN YOU DO TALK -

Talk to your friends.

Talk to your family.

Talk to anyone who will listen. Don?t worry about people who don?t want to hear. You probably don?t want to be around them anyway.

FAIR TRADE -

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Start looking at where your products come from. There are a lot of companies that make chocolate and actually pay their people. There are some textile places known for their atrocities. Do your research.

FAIR TRADE USA is a good place to see what products come with slavery, and which ones come without.

WRITE -

Write letters to your senators and congressmen/women asking them what they are doing and asking them to continue making changes.

Write women and girls pulled out of trafficking and encourage them.

BE SOCIAL -

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Use social media to diffuse information on human trafficking. You can like certain pages and pass the information along on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other social platforms.

Start your own page to inform people on your passion to end trafficking.

Begin a blog.

Create a board on Pinterest.

Always make sure to include the positive: people who are rescued, preventative tactics, progress, etc. Don?t leave people depressed and without hope.

EDUCATE -

Educate yourself on this issue. Be ready to answer questions.

Educate others. Many people don?t realize this even exists or they don?t want to hear about it or care. Don?t let that stand in the way of the few who will be interested in making a difference.

Contact: Diana Scimone

www.born2fly.org

info@born2fly.org

www.dianascimone.com

New global r adio pr ogr am f or k ids pr even t s ch ild t r af f ick in g In t er n at ion al br oadcast r igh t s available f r om Bor n 2Fly Pr oject - t o st op ch ild t r af f ick in g The Born2Fly Project to stop child trafficking announces a new global radio program for children designed to reach kids before the traffickers do. Born to Fly is a 10-episode dramatized radio series about a caterpillar named Blossom who has a dream to fly. In her quest to follow her dream, she learns 5 important truths? the hard way, of course, or we wouldn?t have a story. Blossom?s adventure is an allegory designed to warn children and adults about the lies that traffickers use to lure them. ?We developed this new program at the request of radio broadcasters themselves,? explains Diana Scimone, president of the Born2Fly Project, which produced the programs. ?Through radio we can reach millions of children, parents, teachers, and even traffickers themselves with a strong anti-trafficking message.? Born to Fly has been broadcast in India in Hindi, where it reached millions of children and adults a week. ?We look forward to working with broadcasters in many other countries too,? Scimone said. Each episode in the series is 15 minutes, and there are two versions of each script: secular and Christian.

The program includes original instrumental theme music. Information on broadcast rights, licensing, translation, and fees is available from the Born2Fly Project at info@born2fly.org.

The Born2Fly Project is the world's leader in community-based prevention curriculum, producing numerous materials for children and teens in English, Spanish, Russian, Thai, Hindi, Chinese, and other languages. More than 750 organizations in 65 countries have registered to teach these materials to their children.

Born to Fly International, Inc., works to stop child trafficking by reaching kids before the traffickers do--with free anti-trafficking curriculum downloadable at www.born2fly.org.

B2F is a 501c3 non-profit organization and donations are tax deductible.

Born to Fly International, Inc., PO Box 952949, Lake Mary FL 32795-2949 info@born2fly.org www.born2fly.org

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Contact: Diana Scimone

diana@born2fly.org www.born2fly.org

Ch ild t r af f ick in g pr even t ion cu r r icu lu m r each es k ids an d t een s bef or e t r af f ick er s do Available as free download from www.born2fly.org Each year more than 1,000,000 children are trafficked for sex around the world. Some are just 4 years old. They?re raped for profit 20 to 30 times a night? night after night after night.

What if we could reach these kids before the traffickers do? That?s the goal of Born2Fly? a 6-session community-based awareness and prevention curriculum that teaches kids how to stay safe from traffickers. The program is available in 10 languages as a free download at www.born2fly.org: -

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Bor n t o Fly an t i-t r af f ick in g cu r r icu lu m f or you n g ch ildr en : 6-session program with age-appropriate material for young children. Available as pdf download in English, Thai, Hindi, Spanish, Russian, Mandarin, Nepali, Indonesian, Portuguese, and Visayan (Philippines). Coming soon: Albanian.

Soar in g High er cu r r icu lu m : Additional lesson material for Christian schools.

Available as pdf download in same languages as Born to Fly. Bor n t o Fly w or dless book : Companion to curriculum. 80 pages with 500 illustrations by artist Leah Wiedemer. Available as pdf download.

Dr eam Big Cam paign an t i-t r af f ick in g cu r r icu lu m f or t een s: 6-session program for teens. Available as pdf download in English, Thai, and Portuguese.

Dr eam Big Wit h God: Additional lesson material for Christian schools. Available as pdf download in English, Thai, and Portuguese.

Bor n t o Fly r adio pr ogr am : Dramatized 10-episode anti-trafficking radio series for kids available to broadcasters around the world (fee based).

Human trafficking is big business? the 2nd highest grossing illegal industry on the planet after illegal drugs. ?Traffickers can sell a drug once, but they can sell a child over and over again,? says Diana Scimone, founder of The Born2Fly Project. ?With this curriculum, we?re reaching kids before the traffickers do.? Nearly 750 organizations in 65+ countries have registered to teach Born2Fly to their children. You can too. If you work with children and youth, register to download the materials at www.born2fly.org. Together we really can reach kids before the traffickers do.

Born to Fly International, Inc., works to stop child trafficking by reaching kids before the traffickers do? with free anti-trafficking curriculum downloadable at www.born2fly.org.

Born to Fly International, Inc., PO Box 952949, Lake Mary FL 32795-2949

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FREEDOM CHA LLENGE

by Tin a Yeager

It can be hard to believe in modern times there is such a thing as ?temple prostitution.? Yet Rani was no more than seven years old when life began for her as a jogini? young girls of Southern India who are often torn from their families, consecrated to the gods, and made available to men of the upper caste for ritual sex.

In Rani?s case, though, it was her mother? also raised as a jogini from an early age? who first introduced her little girl to the men, the alcohol, and other abuses ritually involved. Although her mother suddenly died of a mysterious disease two years after all this began, life for the newly orphaned girl did not take a turn for the better right away. When the man who had been providing shelter for Rani and her mother decided one day that he didn?t want the burden of raising a child, he tried to hang her, adding to the trauma she was already under.

By God?s grace, someone walked in on the act and stopped him, drawing attention to Rani?s at-risk living situation from the proper authorities. Today, she is 12 years old and living in safety at a rescue home in India supported by

Freedom Challenge. After what she endured her formative years, it is a miracle Rani is alive and without major psychological damage, but even more so that she?s excelling at school with the goal of one day helping others who have suffered like her.

Wh at is Fr eedom Ch allen ge?

As part of Operation Mobilization? a leading Christian network for relief projects and social justice in over 110 countries? Freedom Challenge is a movement of women dedicated to the prevention, development, rescue, and restoration of human trafficking victims.

Our projects overseas, such as the rescue and rehabilitation programs in India, are supported through fund-raising events within the United States and beyond so that everyday women can have a voice in combatting modern-day slavery.

These events involve physical challenges such as 5k and 10k races, daily fitness tracking campaigns, and mountain climbing. In August, over 160 women gathered at Freedom Challenge Wyoming 2016 for a three-day climb in the Jackson Hole area, raising a total of $700,000 through supportive family, friends, and

communities. As a result, another 4, 700 victims are on the road to freedom from modern-day slavery, because for every $150 raised, another woman or child can enter a Freedom Challenge supported project like our rescue and rehabilitation programs at no cost to them.

For the 160 mountaineers of Freedom Challenge Wyoming, this hard-earned milestone was certainly worth celebrating. But the battle against human trafficking? a $32 billion-a-year industry exploiting 30 million people worldwide? is far from over. For more information on joining the fight or our next physical challenge, please visit us at The Freedom Challenge, helping to set free more women and children.

Tina Yeager began her career as a nurse and entrepreneur. She owned a healthcare staffing business from 1995 to 2011. In 2011 after visiting India and seeing the atrocities against women and children, Tina took on a mission to end slavery and closed her business. In 2012 she accepted the position as Director for Freedom Challenge, a movement of passionate women dedicated to raising funds and awareness to help end slavery and oppression. Since 2012 she has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro twice, Mt. Everest (to Kalapathur above base camp), 105 miles in the Alps and other peaks to raise awareness and funds for international projects addressing slavery and oppression. Her passion is to see women and children reach their full potential and be set free from oppression, bondage and slavery.

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Free2Hope Inc. is a local, grass-roots, nonprofit organization taking a new approach to stop human trafficking by training and equipping the general public to recognize and respond to victims. We desire to bring an awareness of those most vulnerable to all members of the community so that everyone can be on the lookout for potential victims. Second, we want the community to have the tools they need to keep their own children safe. In that way, citizens can take a united stand against human trafficking throughout our city.

I founded Free2Hope Inc. in 2013 when I gave up my rights to being a victim of a childhood sexual abuse and rape, and have since devoted my time to helping to stop sexual crimes (with an emphasis on human trafficking) against women and children in the Louisville area. I have developed and begun teaching free educational programs, and providing outreach opportunities throughout the Louisville area. Most recently, I led a large city event outreach in our community working with an underground mapper to find areas to target with high rates of prostitution and trafficking activities. We were notified by Kentucky Rescue and Restore that calls to the National Hotline number showed an 800% increase in hotline calls in 2013-2014 in Jefferson County. This is

the first full year that Free2Hope?s Business Outreach Program and KY R&R Hope Program were both operating for a full year.

Since 2013, I have presented the Free2Hope message to such companies as: UN of KY, LG&E KU, Greater Louisville Business Alliance, The Village Learning Center, the City Salesman's Club, Southeastern Associated Ministries, a University of Louisville Conference, the Worthington Fire Department, Pee Wee Valley Fire Department, EMW Women's Surgical Center, New Life Church, public and private schools, A New Hope Pregnancy Resource Center, The Kiwanis Club of Louisville, EFS-8 (Kentucky's Emergency Support Function), three area strip club managers and several other local groups. I received the Human Rights Award from the United Nations Association, and The Liberation Award from Kentucky Rescue and Restore in 2015.

Free2Hope Inc. offers several programs such as: Th e Edu cat ion Pr ogr am Free2Hope Inc. offers free educational programs and trainings on human trafficking for the general public. We also offer more extensive training classes tailored for specific audiences i.e. schools, church groups, businesses, first responders, etc. To date, I have

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educated over 2000 people in our community regarding human trafficking, and shared invaluable information on how to keep their children safe from becoming victims.

Th e Bu sin ess Ou t r each Pr ogr am There are approximately 350 businesses here in the Louisville area that now display the static cling on their store front glass with the National Human Trafficking Hotline Number. The T.J. Maxx Company has recently made us their district charity for Kentucky, and will soon display our information on trafficking in every store in Kentucky.

Free2Hope Inc. has never charged for any of our materials. The Business

Outreach Program was created for businesses in Louisville, Kentucky to be given free educational information defining human trafficking and providing them with the National Hotline phone number to call should they suspect any illegal activity. By allowing us to put a static window cling containing the National Human Traffic Hotline phone number inside the front glass of the business, and a sticker in the restrooms, business owners take pride in their area of influence and take a stand against human trafficking.

Fortunately, many people entering those businesses also have success to the National Hotline number.

Th e Ou t r each Pr ogr am was created specifically to equip community groups to reach out to their neighborhoods with information on human trafficking. We provide all materials free of charge and the group provides community volunteers who want to make a tangible difference in their area. Our desire is that all citizens be made aware that human trafficking is happening here in our own communities and to provide them the means to make a difference.

Derby Outreach 2014 was very successful. After I presented a basic program on trafficking, we split into six teams for an outreach within a two-mile radius of Churchill Downs. One team encountered a business owner who

burst out in tears when they told him about Human trafficking in Louisville. He told volunteers of a lady he knew that was selling her 15 year-old daughter for sex. He said he had felt so bad but did not want to get involved.

Yet, he allowed the team to put the static cling in the front window of his business.

The team contacted me immediately upon leaving the business, and I advised them to immediately contact LMPD. We had to make 3 calls to authorities for The Derby Outreach for 2016, one for a 1- year old in a strip club, one for suspicious circumstances (That I can?t reveal), and lastly a victim that had recently turned 18 who had been spotted at the ?hourly hotel?.

Amy Leenerts founded Free2Hope Inc. in 2013 when she gave up her rights to being a victim of a childhood sexual abuse and rape, and have since devoted her time to helping to stop sexual crimes (with an emphasis on human trafficking) against women and children in the Louisville area. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky with her husband John. She has one adult child and they have three children together.

They are members of New Life Church, both involved with several organizations that help the marginalized in our area and enjoy mission trips abroad.

Education - Business - Outreach

WHAT CAN YOU DO SEND STUFF -

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Send things to groups. You can create a drive at your place of worship, in your neighborhood, at your high school or university or even at work. Always make sure to check on the legalities.

Even if a particular group doesn?t necessarily have something posted on needs, you can bet they probably need something. Write and ask! One group that specifically asks for things as well as money is Stella?s Voice located in Moldova.

JOIN A GROUP -

There are a plethora of groups that strive to fight human trafficking. Find one in your area

START A GROUP -

If a group doesn?t exist in your area, start one! You do not have to wait to be important, organized, or not busy to do something. Start somewhere and see where it goes.

VOLUNTEER -

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Many groups offer volunteer positions making choosing something more difficult than actually going. Volunteer positions exist at home and overseas and can be open even to teens (with parental permission).

Volunteering can be incredible as you touch the abused community in some way; but it can be difficult, dangerous and heartbreaking. It is important to realize that the people who are recovering need a kind and non-judgmental touch. They need positive role models, and they need people who will always be there to love them.

Volunteering can also be more hands-off for things like administrative work.

This is incredibly important and needed, and can be something for someone who wants to make a difference but might be having some problems dealing with the concept of the atrocities.

GIVE FINANCIALLY -

We?ve talked about giving time and things, but finances are also important.

Think about something you might be able to give in terms of finance every month. Can you spare $10, $20, $30? Think about if 1 million give $10 every month. That is $10 a month. That?s a lot.

The Tea Trade CafĂŠ

by Br it t an y Jacobson Research shows the restoration of trafficking survivors primarily depends on their ability to find an alternative source of income. At Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int?l), we believe modern-day slavery needs real solutions, where survivors need training and counseling to become functioning members of society again. Through sustainable programs and partnerships, our organization has a passion to see women reach for their dreams and accomplish their goals ? both overseas and right here in the United States of America.

The U.S. Training Center: For several years, we have operated our U.S. Training Center (USTC), which has become a place to provide both local and out-of-state trafficking survivors with job training, counseling, and ultimately, an escape from their abusers. Women from all 50 states can enter a holistic empowerment program

consisting of training and skills-based learning, encouraging them to seek employment with dignity. The women in our program have received everything from prenatal care to family counseling, ESL (English as a Second Language) lessons, child care, housing assistance, food, and transportation services.

The nine women currently in our USTC have learned jewelry design and basic sewing techniques during their time with us. They also craft candles, lip balm, and soap regularly, which we sell in our WAR Chest Boutiques. While many of the women enjoy using their hands to create beautiful pieces with love, there are some women who are interested in learning other skills to further their employment prospects.

As an organization, we are excited to announce as of September 2016, that WAR, Int?l has expanded this vocational training center to include the Tea Trade CafĂŠ.

The Tea Trade Café: Located at our headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan, this café has become a sacred space, inspiring hope to those who need a hand-up instead of a hand-out. Our goal with the Tea Trade Café is to provide the opportunity for women to also learn culinary and barista skills while in our program, offering a network of emotional safety in the process. Selling fair trade coffee and teas, our café will be supporting men and women around the world who are working in safe, sustainable environments while also lifting women from right here in Michigan to lives of hope and dignity. Not only will these women receive job skills they can take with them far beyond our café, but they will also learn valuable life skills such as budgeting and resume building. ?What?s your dream??

Our president, Becky McDonald, often says one of her favorite questions to ask survivors of abuse is, ?What?s your dream?? That?s what we?re about here at

WAR, Int?l ? making dreams come true. If this café allows even one woman to see her value and worth, while fulfilling the goals she sets through her employment with us, it?ll be worth it. We have been consistently blessed to walk alongside these precious women from various ethnic and cultural backgrounds. We are building and consistently pursuing a diverse, redemptive community of women who have aspirations, hopes, and dreams needing to be nurtured.

As we continue to expand our programs over the next several years, we hope to have as many as 16 more women as part of our program, inspiring survivors to thrive by giving them the necessary tools to build confidence and security.

If you are in the West Michigan area, we encourage you to come to our Tea Trade Café where your purchase makes a difference and literally saves lives. To learn more about this project and view our before-and-after photos, please visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/TeaTradeCafe.

Brittany Jacobson works as a writer for Women At Risk, International ? an organization uniting and educating women to create circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects. WAR, Int?l address 14 different risk issues in more than 40 countries, bringing a voice to the voiceless.

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Th e M ek on g Clu b This summer, Matt Friedman from the Mekong Club took a trip across the United States with his wife to counter human trafficking. This video documents their experience.

Matt Friedman is an international human trafficking expert with more than 25 years of experience as an activist, program designer, evaluator, and manager. Based in Hong Kong, he is the Founder and CEO of the Mekong Club, a coalition of private businessess which aims to guide and support the private sector in their efforts to achieve slavery-free supply chains. He launched the Campaign in the summer of 2014 in a Summer Roadtrip over ten days in seven locations with his two teenage sons.

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Br idgin g t h e Gap: Par t of t h e Solu t ion Com in g Ear ly 2017 The Challenge: When a sex trafficked victim is rescued, -

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She/he is in need of basic necessities: food, clothes, hygiene items and safe shelter.

She/he needs to testify against their trafficker. In my home state of Oregon, they must testify in front of a grand jury within 24 hours of being rescued. f adequate resources are provided for the victim, she feels valued, cared for, and secure-- which leads to cooperation and significantly increases the chances of prosecution.

Locating and coordinating necessary items can take

by Jen n a Fu n k h ou ser

countless hours for police officers and victim advocates, who are already under staffed.

For any organization actively fighting trafficking, these challenges are probably ones you?ve navigated countless times. A lack of adequate resources such as safe shelter, or the lack of communication about existing resources, is one of the reasons a survivor is unable to leave or ends up back in ?the life.? Many churches, nonprofits, or other organizations want to help, but don?t know how. What is the solution?

Enter Bridging the Gap, a long-time vision of Officer Mike Gallagher, Portland Police Bureau Sex Trafficking

Unit. Over the years, Officer Gallagher has spent countless hours tracking down resources for sexually exploited victims, and at the same time, had organizations offering to help, but no way to effectively and efficiently communicate with them. His idea was to fill a gap communicating urgent needs to organizations who have the resources to help. In January 2014, leaders of the community offered to help him form Bridging the Gap (BTG), which launched in June 2014.

For example, last year a Portland victim advocate was working with a young lady being sex trafficked in Las Vegas, who finally escaped her pimp and called for help. The need was posted on BTG and a plane ticket was purchased within minutes. She flew home to Portland the same night and entered a safe shelter.

Prior to BTG, finding the funds to relocate this victim could have taken days, leading the victim back to the streets or to her dangerous trafficker.

For example, last year a Portland victim advocate was working with a young lady being sex trafficked in Las Vegas, who finally escaped her pimp and called for help. The need was posted on BTG and a plane ticket was purchased within minutes. She flew home to Portland the same night and entered a safe shelter.

Prior to BTG, finding the funds to relocate this victim could have taken days, leading the victim back to the streets or to her dangerous trafficker.

Another recent story: Late one Friday night, an officer needed a hotel room paid for a victim over the weekend, who

had nowhere to stay while she awaited further assistance on Monday morning.

After posting the need on BTG, the room was paid for within an hour, and the woman was safe and off the streets.

The system has also been used for coordinating needed items for a Thanksgiving party for survivors, collecting hygiene items, paying for school fees, and even funding a tattoo removal. The effort has been so successful that in May 2015, members of the BTG team were awarded the Portland Police Bureau Commendation Medal for providing law enforcement, government agencies, and community partners with a highly efficient way of communicating, in real time, the urgent needs of sexually exploited victims.

I sat down this week with Darlene Domenigoni, a member of BTG who played a vital role in getting the system up and running. As we talked over the success they have seen so far, she was quick to point out that cities hailing BTG as a solution need to make sure there are trusted relationships already in place. ?The entire system is built on the relationships it represents,? she commented. ?This is simply a tool to streamline those relationships and make the process more effective for everyone.?She also emphasized the importance of a well-rounded network of relationships--not just among law enforcement and government agencies, but including women?s shelters, nonprofits, churches, and other community members.

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For cities who have begun building these trusted relationships, but still find that collaborating together can be difficult and time-consuming, you may be wondering whether Bridging the Gap is a tool that would work for you. This year, BTG released a proposal for a national expansion plan, centered around an app currently being developed. Not only will this app make the process much more convenient for Portland BTG members, but it will have the potential to become available in any major city. ?The Bridging the Gap app will provide a safe and secure mobile app, featuring a built-in resource guide for officers to access while out on patrol or during rescue sting operations,? says the proposal. ?Officers will no longer have to go back to the station to use the internet or look up phone numbers, which saves officers and victims crucial time and ultimately allows officers to assist more people during their shift.? ?The app will also be developed with expansion and the future in mind, creating features for a mass centralized communication system for city, state and national agencies. Apps for these

agencies could potentially save the city millions of dollars in staff hours and crisis/emergency funds, while simultaneously filling immediate needs... Once the BTG app is developed, other [cities and] service agencies could use the same platform to create a similar app to address their needs.?

Ultimately, the answer to fighting sex trafficking in our communities is not another app--it?s collaboration. No one organization or law enforcement can do this job alone. Which is why BTG may be...

Par t of Th e Solu t ion : A Nat ion al Br idgin g Th e Gap m odel h as pot en t ial t o: -

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Provide countless sex-trafficked victims with needed aftercare resources.

Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of law enforcement and victim advocates.Increase and strengthen anti-trafficking efforts in every community in the United States.

Relocate victims to safe houses instead of being returned out on the streets or to their pimps.

Reduce recidivism of being trafficked by providing access to proper aftercare.

Foster collaboration among law enforcement, government agencies, advocates and community partnersCreate safer communities in every state.

Th e n ext st ep f or Br idgin g t h e Gap The Bridging the Gap app development is underway and will be available in early 2017. The first two states to implement the app will be Oregon and Arizona, but any city interested can sign up to receive training about implementation at this time. Cities looking to implement the app should consider whether there are current, existing collaborative

partnerships formed with law enforcement, child welfare, government agencies, non-profits, churches, etc.

Community partners who serve the sexually exploited and a team of volunteers dedicated to creating and maintaining BTG is also crucial. If you believe your city is ready to implement the app when it releases, contact admin@btgpdx.com for more information.

Jenna Funkhouser currently serves on the Communications Team of Abolition Now, and anti-trafficking branch of Compassion Connect whose mission is uniting the Church to serve the sexually exploited and vulnerable. She is passionate about justice as an every-day action and lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and two cacti. To learn more about Abolition Now, check them out at www.abolitionnow.com.

ABOLITION NOW!

This summer I had the pleasure of connecting with Rebecca Cassel from the counter trafficking agency Along The Way. Based in Louisiana, Along The Way is an agency that works with diverse groups across in many areas and in several locations.

Although Along The Way works in a variety of contexts, the heart of the agency is prevention, and thus rooted in education. To this extent, Along the Way serves as a means to give people the necessary information to help identify and stop human trafficking.

Along The Way primarily works within Louisiana, and more specifically Saint Tammany Parish, near New Orleans.

However, Rebecca has spoken in Washington D.C., Texas and other locations including overseas. To be culturally relevant, she works with organizations already on the ground in foreign countries. Although most of the work she does within other countries is humanitarian in nature, she always finds a way to weave in trafficking education to help prevent a likely disaster among uneducated people.

At present, Along The Way has been challenged to start a task force in their area.

With such a large prospect in the thought stages, the agency has several needs that you can help fulfill. Rebecca is looking for partners who can come alongside the Training with Along the Way is extensive in agency to help with awareness and support nature as they seek to inform with the financially. Additionally, she is looking for greatest accuracy and detail. They address volunteers who can help both with the issues of online predators luring children awareness raising and administrative tasks. alongside the issues of disadvantaged Raising people groups and vulnerable women and awareness can be anything from social children. media diffusion to giving presentations on Among those trained include large global the issue. Volunteers can also come to the corporations, individuals, non-profits, local office and file folders and help schools, hospitals, pregnancy care facilities, organize things. Every time someone does a and even judges. In fact, anyone who might routine job, it frees her team to reach out potentially come into contact with a victim is even more to help those in bondage. on their list to educate in spotting the signs of trafficking, abuse and slavery. The real problem with trafficking is its diverse nature.

There can be so many situations that one particular model simply won?t address all the possible ways someone can be trafficked and held. For instance, each city, state and region will have issues that another place might not experience due to types of transport, people groups, and poverty.

Alon g t h e Way

GRACE AS JUSTICE

gr aceasju st ice.com