VOJ Fall 2018, Volume 4, Issue 3

em p ow er i n g

i n sp i r i n g

r el easi n g Volu m e 4, Issu e 3, Fall 2018

Spotlight on

Stories of

Breakthrough I n th i s i ssue:

Sh aron Ngai / Justi ce Speak s Be a Voice!

K i m Sti v er/ Emanci pA cti on: The Dawning of Hope

Li sa M i ch el l e Refuge and Resilience An d M u ch M or e!

"For every childof God defeatsthisevil world, andweachievethis victory through our faith."

Volu m e 4 Issu e 3 * Edit or : Cin dy Pow ell Sim ple Fait h Pr ess * PO Box 1614 * Redlan ds, CA

contents REGULAR FEATURES Editor's Corner Love Has a Face Andrea Aasen Exodus to Flourish Kezia Hatfield Freedom on the Frontlines Hallie Schaefer

SPOTLIGHT SECTION pg 1

pg 3

Be a Voice!

Sharon Ngai

pg 11

The Dawning of Hope Kim Stiver

pg 15

She Has a Name Taylor Nolan

pg 19

Refuge and Resilience pg 5

pg 7

Lisa Michelle

pg 23

Naomi's Story Jenna Funkhouser

pg 27

Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking

NEW! The Journey to Justice Cleansing Rain, by Cathy Cupp

Judi Noble

pg 37

pg 29

Breakthrough in the U.S. Government's War on Human Trafficking

Rachael Williams-Mejri

pg 33

edit or 's cor n er ?At the end, someone or something always gives up. It is either you give up and quit or the obstacle or failure gives up and makes way for your success to come through.?

- Idow u Kovenikan

"I

f you don't quit, you win."

The line is from a song, but the application is broad. Sometimes breakthrough is as simple as showing up... again, and again, and again.

When confronted with issues of gross injustice, it is easy to grow weary. We focused on perseverance in our last issue, but in this issue, we are focusing on the fruit of perseverance: Br eak t h r ou gh .

Breakthroughs are those wonderful moments when we actually get to see the glimmers of restoration and change that

make it all worthwhile. Whether small steps forward, or giant leaps that exceed all expectations, it is always encouraging to witness the fruits of our labor. That is why we need to share those moments when they occur. Just as it is important to clearly communicate the astounding depth of darkness surrounding the issue of human trafficking, it is equally critical to share our successes and breakthroughs. We all need encouragement along the way, and nothing is quite as encouraging as seeing areas where great strides are being made.

Really, we share stories of breakthrough in every issue? just as we share stories of -1-

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

hope, and stories of perseverance in every issue? but different themes seem to be highlighted on a broader scale in different seasons of life. And right now, it's time for harvest. It's time to reap what we've sown.

It 's t im e f or br eak t h r ou gh.

I don't know how the seasons flow in your neck of the woods, but here in Southern California, it was a very long and very hot summer. But, finally, hints of fall are in the air. I can smell it. I can feel it.

columnists and contributors. We are also celebrating steps of progress such as understanding the link between Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking (pg.29), and even the tremendous strides the U.S. Government has made in its efforts to eradicate human trafficking (pg. 33). These are just a few of MANY breakthroughs taking place on a daily basis. At times progress can seem slow, but progress IS being made and that is worth celebrating.

Your efforts are worth celebrating, too. No matter where you are in the process personally, rest assured that the principles Many of you have been pushing hard for a of reaping and sowing are alive and well. long time. But your labor is never in vain.

Without intervention, those who Just as there is a season for "sowing in purposefully sow into the darkness, will tears," there is also a season for "reaping eventually reap the corruption they've with shouts of joy" (see Psalm 126:5).

There is a time for planting, and there is a sown. Conversely, those who sow into If everyone we can change will also the reapworld. a harvest. And that time for harvest.

There is does a timesomething, for every freedom harvest? a harvest of justice and purpose under heaven.

And, certainly, freedom is one of of restoration beyond anyone's wildest imaginations? will endure forever. heaven's most fundamental purposes.

Even m or e, I can f eel t h at 's it 's t im e f or br eak t h r ou gh .

In this issue we are celebrating large victories such as those being experienced

by Justice Speaks (pg 11), EmancipAction (pg.15), She Has a Name (pg. 19), NSA Girls (pg. 23)? not to mention the many great stories of breakthrough told by our regular

Keep your voice strong. It is harvest time. It is breakthrough time. You didn't quit. And because you didn't? love, hope, and freedom will win.

Cindy Powell

Editor, Voices of Justice

You Can Do Something!

If everyone does something, we can change the world.

Click here for ideas

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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"Love has a Face? is a column dedicated to ending human trafficking through the realization of LOVE as the preventative solution. But love has a face! It takes a multitude of people, skill sets, ideas, ministries, and nations coming together to bring order in chaos and light into places of darkness. ?Love has a Face? will empower you to see your part in the solution to stop human trafficking and other forms of injustice before they start.

U n ex p ect ed B r eak t h r o u gh or most of us, breakthrough is defined as a moment in time when something you?ve hoped for comes to pass. But what happens when your desire for breakthrough grows dim in the face of

Trapped in the injustice that threatened her generation, Molly?s community was one solicited regularly for drugs and human trafficking. It wasn?t uncommon that children her age would be sold for sex, labor, or begging. In addition, many were forced to run drugs or were abused for not bringing home enough money.

Molly desired freedom from this lifestyle but only knew the path in front of her. Still, she dreamed of someday creating a different future.

F

your circumstances? What happens when generational cycles dictate your beliefs and challenge your destiny?

This was the case for a little girl named ?Molly.? Amongst the garbage piles, in a small

Cambodian

community, children

scavenged for scraps of food to eat and plastic or cardboard pieces they could sell.

Molly was just another face living in a dirt infested shanty, doing all she could to survive. Like the other kids, Molly?s life was becoming

a

predictable

disarray

of

hopelessness, poverty, and exploitation.

She was becoming yet another statistic.

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

the best. Molly?s socioeconomic status did not determine her worth.

Though she had never been to school, Molly caught on quickly. Reading, writing, math, and science came easily. She soon surpassed her cohorts. While many kids we sponsored were top in their class, Molly had an exceptional knack for learning. Her abilities soon led her into accelerated opportunities, where she not only skipped grades but also received high honors and even occupied the #6 position within her nation!

Education brought Molly?s breakthrough.

My team and I were drawn to Molly. There was something so special about her. We would come weekly for kids? activities in her neighborhood, and Molly was always highlighted. She was inquisitive and had a sparkle in her eyes when she engaged.

Year after year, we would see her and knew we had to act quickly, or her fate would be that of those around her.

Education wasn?t free in Molly?s nation, so we sponsored her, and others in the community, in private school education.

Several mocked us for putting ?slum children? into private school, but we knew that they, like any other children, deserved

No longer a victim of her circumstances, Molly now dreams of becoming a doctor or engineer and will indeed change her nation. But future leaders, like Molly, are hidden in dark places. In her own ability, Molly would still be amongst the garbage piles, but with help, her life was forever changed. Molly?s testimony depended on others. Always remember that you could be someone else?s breakthrough.

Love has a face.

Andrea Aasen is the Director of XP Missions / Extreme LoveMinistries. Sheisa visionary leader with a heart tosee justice released to the nations. Andrea has a desire to see women and children empowered and walking in their God created destinies. She believes in the power of LOVE to transform nations and individuals, and as a result, has developed various community, business, and advocacy modelsto support and protect victimsof human trafficking, abuse, and other formsof exploitation.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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"Exodus to Flourish" is a regular column that invites readers to delve deeper into the process of restoration for survivors of sexual exploitation and trafficking and includes topics related to healing complex trauma, the church?srole, and the many questionsthat arise when journeying from Egypt into promise.

Pr esen ce Wit h ou t Fear n my experience as a trauma therapist and member of justice organizations, breakthrough has come in many shapes and sizes. We all desire to see major shifts bringing freedom from torment, healing from shame, restoration of intimate trust and connection. I remember the flashpoint moments when the ?suddenlies? of God would bring practical provision in crisis or physical healing of a trauma-related ailment or a conviction in a perpetrator ?s court case.

More often, there were the quiet, progressive changes that were occurring beneath ground. As day by day lives that were formally dictated by fear and control were being re-found and re-shaped by freedom and love.

memory from my own life and the lives of many loved ones came rushing in. The restored ability to be present and to welcome another ?s presence. It is one of the most beautiful gifts and most important keys to integrated healing.

I

The term ?complex trauma? in the field of psychology is used to describe chronic and layered traumatic events in a person?s life. ?Developmental trauma? is used to identify key stages of growth that trauma interfered with and/or prevented. When an individual has undergone this extent of harm at the hands of other human beings (oftentimes members of their family), dissociation is the brain?s brilliant method of survival that allows a person to continue existing in the world and tolerating interaction with others.

In preparing to write this piece, I quieted my internal traffic and laid before God in silence. I asked of all breakthroughs, which should I write about? Which should I remember for today and for this column? I heard softly ? the breakthrough of presence without fear. At once, streams of

Traumatic events now play out as though she is on the ceiling and separate from what is happening below. She becomes an observer to her experiences, not a participant when being abused. She has -5-

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

tried all she knows to get out and this portal through a split mind has become the best way yet.

shame. There is expansion, not restriction.

Over time, she comes forward to be present with others as well. A few people at a time, and to varying degrees, as she recognizes a safeness in their presence that reminds her of Him. This takes place because safe presence allows her to trust being vulnerable, which is a critical ingredient for connection and re-integration.

While the ?core? person goes somewhere else, the shell develops parts of self, or new personas, or sometimes extreme alters to cover for her. They play the parts expected of them and no one has to know she has left. The collective goal is survival.

Depending on how long the abuse endures, these parts can become like a well-trained team guarding her and preventing personal contact or effect (good and bad). This was what she needed to survive. But when she is later in a position to pursue healing, there is a challenge to reconcile the parts to self and to allow for other-closeness. Often to survive is to be separate, but to heal is to be joined.

The presence of someone speaks of their integrated process. The more we heal and differentiate and connect on the inside, the more we can offer this with others. Our integration enhances capacity for His peace and harmony to dwell in and through us. A renowned author and educator in neurobiology, Dr. Daniel Siegel, defines integration as ?the linkage of differentiated parts? and adds that ?presence is a portal for integration to arise.?

With this in mind, imagine the glory of beholding someone who has spent years surviving in hiding as they experience the goodness of God?s presence out in the open. Something so powerful was taking place that she would risk coming all the way out. That dual awareness that He has been with her in every hidden location ?even if I go up to the heavens, You are there? and that He also waits for her to gift her presence to Him. To Him, choice is everything. In His presence, there is sharing, not stealing. There is dignity, not

God promises His presence. Seek this safety, and you will find. In His presence we come into our own. May the breakthrough of presence be your own daily portion, and may it extend to your families and to all whom your ministries encounter. The Hebrew word for presence is paniym, meaning ?face.? When we position ourselves before His face and are led by His eyes, nothing is impossible.

After several years of experience with trauma and recovery, Kezia believes healthy families are the linchpin to all human growth and restored design. She received her M.A. in Clinical Psychology from Azusa Pacific University and is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has worked exclusively with survivorsof sex trafficking and their support systems, while also developing and overseeing a residential aftercare program. Through the adoption of her daughter, Kezia has seen Jesus?glory in family and the restoration He brings through the process. Her desire is to nurture the healing integration of individuals, families, and communities ? that what were once cycles of abuse are turned into blessings for futuregenerations.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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Freedom on the Frontlines is a monthly column that highlights individuals and organizations who are making a difference on the frontlines of the war against human trafficking.

Teen s Again st Sex Tr af f ick in g hen I created the column ?Freedom On The Frontlines?, I realized there are many ways those on the frontlines battle human trafficking directly. One of the ways people do this is through education, awareness, and prevention tactics. This is where Teens Against Sex Trafficking (TAST) comes in.

They operate out of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which according to humantraffickinghotline.org, is a high trafficking state. TAST moved directly toward those who are at the highest risk of becoming victims of trafficking, and are passionate about educating them on ways to protect themselves and their peers.

?Teens Against Sex Trafficking was seven years in the making; the journey beginning the end of freshman year at Bethel University while leading a chapter of IJM (International Justice Mission) on campus.

After volunteering and advocating for anti-trafficking organizations, the Lord called me to direct Teens Against Sex Trafficking as a non-profit organization in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The Lord is faithful in this journey, and students are feeling even more empowered in being the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

W

TAST exists to end human trafficking through embracing students, empowering them to raise awareness of trafficking, and educating them on this injustice. Students are sent out to serve in populations impacted by this oppression where students are challenged in their faith and have an opportunity to experience Jesus in a new way.

When I spoke with the Executive Director, Kaylena Riendeau, I was blown away by her poise and drive, even at such a young age, to help end human trafficking. Check out her story:

Embrace. Empower. Educate.?

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

TAST has expanded rapidly since their official launch as a nonprofit in January of 2018. Over fifty students between two schools have joined their group and meet each week during the school year.

As more students became involved over the summer, it can only be expected that this number will increase this upcoming school year.

During their weekly meet ups at the school, the staff walk through a core curriculum centered around many of the roots of human trafficking. ?Within these roots, we strive to teach our youth the importance of understanding vulnerability and how our actions impact the world in which we live,? Mrs. Riendeau explains. ?We cover Identity, Spiritual Warfare, Domestic Violence, Pornography, Greed, etc.

In the beginning of our curriculum we focus on the issue of human trafficking: what is it, how do we protect ourselves, who are the key players in human trafficking, etc.

Then we branch into the roots of human trafficking and connect these roots back to human trafficking to teach our youth that these roots can make us vulnerable, and we want to protect. Example: If your identity isn't in Christ and it's in partying, drugs, alcohol or sex, how does that make you vulnerable to human trafficking??

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Because of TAST and their drive to protect the students around them, they?ve noticed that more and more youth in the area are sharing on social media and raising awareness of human trafficking. These students are leading awareness events on school grounds to educate their peers.

Students are feeling empowered and turning into strong leaders. Students have been stepping forward, wanting to lead small groups for TAST as well as lead movements on their campuses. Youth are building friendships, taking responsibility, and learning about Jesus. Their dedication to educating these students has saved several of them from possible trafficking situations.

Kaylena Riendeau

TAST has been ramping up their awareness campaigns and have lined up speaking engagements in other states for this upcoming school year to educate on human trafficking and raise awareness of their program and curriculum. They have also begun parent workshops where they educate parents on human trafficking and

teach them ways to monitor social media, talk to their children about trafficking, and create even more safety measures within their own home.

You can find their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/teensagainstsextrafficking/

And their website here: http://teensagainstsextrafficking.org/#ourMission

Hallie Schaefer is a freelance writer and web content creator from Indianapolis, Indiana. Earning her degreein Psychology from Grace College and Theological Seminary, she has combined her experience in counseling and love of writing toequip and inspire others. When she isnot writing, she enjoysspending time with her husband and three small children, exploring all Indianapolis has tooffer.

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

VOJSpotlight Section:

Stori es of

Break th rough

Being on the frontlines in the fight against human trafficking can be heartbreaking, but there are also wonderful moments when we actually get to see glimmers of restoration and change that make it all worthwhile. W hether small steps forward, or giant leaps that exceed all expectations, it is always encouraging to see the fruits of our labor. In this section, we'll share several of stories of those who are making a difference. W e hope they inspire your own story of breakthrough soon!

BE A VOICE!

by Sh ar on Ngai ?You might never physically rescuea child trafficked in thesex trade, but through prayer, Hewill position you on thefrontlinesto dismantlethestructures and powersthat hold children captive."

M

y heart was forever marked in

warning, she pulled out a whip and

Bangkok, Thailand. I was on

whipped the young lady across her back.

outreach

most

The sound of the whipping pierced my

notorious red-light districts when I saw the

soul. In that very moment, I saw the young

faces of exploited girls that I could never

lady?s anguish. But she immediately hid

erase. The bar we entered was set up in

her pain with a smile that masqueraded

stadium style seating with girls dancing on

the true measure of what her soul felt. She

a

men

danced with energy, with seduction, in the

watching them. The girls wore string

same manner as the other women around

bikinis, each identified by a number. One

her. They all had smiles on their faces,

particular girl caught my attention as she

carefully hiding any trace of sadness or

struggled to keep pace in energy as she

distress within them.

danced. The mama-san (the woman in

What took place there is etched in my

authority over the girls) saw the young lady

memory, and when I left Thailand, I knew I

struggling to keep pace and, without

had to do more. That was in 2010. Since

center

in

one

stage

of

Thailand?s

surrounded

by

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

and take a stance of warfare that is empowered supernaturally. In our own human ability, we cannot take down prostitution

rings,

exploitation,

or

rescue expose

victims

of

arenas

of

corruption. It would be impossible. Human trafficking, like many other

issues of

injustice, exists because of a spiritual then, I?ve formed an organization called Justice Speaks to do local outreaches in Los

problem,

and

a

spiritual

solution

is

required to confront it.

Angeles. I?ve also returned to Thailand

Ephesians 6:12 says, ?For our struggle is

every year since, bringing a team with me.

not against flesh and blood...but against

Answering

the

call

to

fight

human

trafficking can be daunting in light of the massive scale of injustice. But the Lord told

the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.?

us early on what our greatest weapon in

Through a series of events, the Lord

warfare should be in our fight against this

revealed to us very early on that He will

grave injustice: Prayer.

TURN this issue of human trafficking

2 Corinthians 10:3-6 says, ?For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we

through prayer. We stepped in with our measure of faith and the mandate on our lives in prayer and began to see immediate results. We have consistently led a justice prayer watch over the years at Radiance International (Hollywood House of Prayer) where my husband Jonathan and I pastor, and we have put on prayer strikes across Los Angeles and Thailand. Through these initiatives

are ready to punish all disobedience...?

we

have

establishments

shut

seen down,

numerous women

The tone of this passage is not passive. We

rescued, prostitution rings exposed, and

are told to aggressively engage in a battle

major king-pimps taken down. In Pattaya, a

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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city in Thailand known as the major sex

consistently in a stance of war battling in

tourism destination in all of Asia, there is a

prayer to see breakthrough, and it has

notorious street known as Walking Street.

manifested at the city level. As believers,

We have done eight prayer strikes there to

we need to realize the significance of our

date, and things have dramatically shifted with bars shutting down and the number of

women

exploited

immensely

decreasing. Stories of breakthroughs are a regular occurrence? not by coincidence,

post in the spirit. If we relinquish our place of authority in the spirit, the individuals designated to engage the battle in the natural (law enforcement, etc.) will see minimal results. I believe because we have taken our post seriously in the spirit, our

but because of prayer.

city has seen a significant breakthrough in

On behalf of my own city, Los Angeles,

the capturing of perpetrators and the

consistent prayer has gone up for the

rescuing of women and children. Our city

freedom of those trapped in the sex trade.

launched the Human Trafficking Bureau, a

I am certain there are others interceding

one

along

investigating crimes of human trafficking,

with

us,

but

we

have

stood

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of

a

kind

agency

focused

on

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

rescuing traffickers.

minors, Since

and its

prosecuting inception

in

November 2015 through March 2018, there have been well over 200 victims rescued and almost 1000 arrests made. I applaud the courageous men and women

God.

Imagine

your

prayers

being

launched like missiles hitting the mark as God directs your intercession! As you choose to partner with God in prayer, He will use you as an agent of breakthrough

on the frontlines of my city rescuing lives,

upon the earth. You may never physically

but they need us to break open the way in

rescue a child trafficked in the sex trade,

the unseen realm, so their job can be

but through prayer He will bring you onto

done in the natural. Likewise, we need them to continue the courageous work they do in the natural realm on a daily

the frontlines to dismantle the structures and powers that hold these children captive. Your prayers just might be the

basis.

When you pray, you may not know the immediate results of your prayers, but be assured that your prayers are heard by

missile that liberates not just one, but hundreds of victims.

Your voice counts!

Sharon Ngai is the Founder of Justice Speaks, a non-profit

anti-trafficking organization based in Los Angeles.

Speaking at conferences and workshops from college campuses and the United Nations, Sharon's passion to end human trafficking and raise up a generation of Justice Championshashad immeasurable impact. In 2010, Sharon linked arms with Bridges to the Nations in Thailand to ensure that women and children at risk in traffic prone regions would be protected. Since then, hundreds of Thai children have been reached, including exploited women trapped in the sex trade. Sharon also launched the Students4Justice Human Trafficking Curriculum, with topics that include pornography and the objectification of women in culture. Her greatest passion in this fight is to fuel a generation in prayer for Justice--for the ending of human trafficking, and all formsof exploitation.

Sharon and her husband, Jonathan, are Lead Pastors of Radiance International (Hollywood House of Prayer), an apostoliccenter in the heart of Hollywood that istraining a new breed of creatives to impact Media, Arts & Entertainment for Christ. She is a proud mom of three beautiful children.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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THE DAWNING OF HOPE

by Kim St iver

HopeisDawning f or ChildSurvivors of Commercial Sex Slavery and ExtremeGender Violencein India Th e SAVERA Pr ogr am f r om Em an cipAct ion an d San gat h is r en ew in g an d t r an sf or m in g lives hemka initially struggled with her rescue and resisted the government authorities as they brought her into the Critical Recovery Center (CRC) at Mahima in Kolkata, India. Only a teenager, she had been living with her abuser and his family and, after months of violence and indoctrination, her spirit was eventually broken. Out of a need for survival and rest, she submitted to his rules and authority.

K

Like many girls who make it through the "breaking" stage of human trafficking, she gave up hope and no longer fought her captor. Once she surrendered to his control and the routine of being a slave, she lost her ability to see herself as a

victim who needed rescue. Days of violence and nights of repeated sexual exploitation had become her normal way of life.

As soon as she became 18, the CRC team could no longer legally detain her, so she insisted on being released on her own volition. Because her old way of life was more familiar than her newfound freedom, she was still struggling with self-doubt and the lies that her captor had repeatedly told her. Her budding, but very fragile self esteem threatened to undo all the positive growth she had been experiencing at the CRC, and she decided to leave the care center to return "home" to her captor.

However, the closer she got to her captor 's

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

"A child is raped every 2.5 hours in the country and a staggering 53%of all children are victims of some kind of sexual abuse."

transported into big cities for the ?breaking? process until their will to fight and their individuality is beaten out of them.

house, the more she realized how much she liked being away from that life. She thought about how far she had come over the last few months of trauma care, and it was enough to make her realize on her own accord that she had the opportunity to make the most important change of her life. She decided to choose a place of freedom, where she could decide who she wanted to be and what she wanted to do, not her captor.

She immediately turned around and made her way back to Mahima to complete the program and eventually obtain gainful employment. Back at the CRC, by completing her time in the counseling program, Khemka found the strength to persevere and work towards the restoration of her life, breaking through the mental chains of her trauma.

Khemka's victorious story shows the pivotal impact that trauma-informed care can have in the fight against child sex trafficking and illustrates how the life of a typical commercial sex slave begins in India. Kidnapped or sold by a trusted family member or friend, young girls are often enticed or drugged and then ripped from their rural communities and Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

India is one of the most difficult places on earth for the millions of children who are victims of commercial sex slavery and extreme gender violence. It is home to at least 1.2 million sex slaves, the vast majority of whom are women and children. However, sex trafficking isn?t the only rampant child abuse problem in India.

A child is raped every 2.5 hours in the country and a staggering 53% of all children are victims of some kind of sexual abuse. Compounding these horrific problems is the lack of restorative services and mental health care for the 1% of children who are rescued from these kinds of evil. There are only three psychologists/psychiatrists for every million people in India.

For the precious few who are rescued from the horror of extreme gender violence, whether it is inflicted through human trafficking or sexual abuse, the journey to healing for these girls is fraught with obstacles, such as physical health issues, trauma-induced mental illnesses, social and cultural rejection, and no means of financial support or educational pathways.

Because of the extreme, repetitive trauma that is inflicted during the breaking process, or through ongoing sexual violence and abuse, survivors of these debilitating situations typically have no sense of personal identity, no will to fight or testify against their captors, nor even an

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ability to imagine a new life for themselves.

In fact, many survivors, like Khemka, try to return to their captors or abusers to regain a sense of normalcy, regardless of how violent their experiences. Physical chains or other means of restraint are removed in the rescue, but the remaining mental chains will keep these survivors enslaved for a lifetime in an ongoing cycle of abuse unless they receive holistic trauma-informed mental health care and related restorative services.

Once a rescued girl enters a private or government home, there is a window of hope before she turns 18 for the healing process to begin. This is the focus of EmancipAction, a non-profit working in India since 2012. As their work has evolved over the last six years, they are beginning to see signs of light breaking through the darkness that holds so many child victims captive long after they?ve been rescued.

Considering India?s inadequate mental health care system, the organization is developing a scalable, evidence-based approach to renewing and transforming the lives of survivors without reliance on the clinical psychiatric providers typically essential for widespread success.

EmancipAction is seeing evidence that survivors are able to not only heal and lead healthy, abundant lives, but can also become advocates themselves, fighting for justice, systemic change, and healing for others.

by partnering with Sangath, one of India?s largest non-profit innovators of mental health care programs. Together, the two organizations, launched the SAVERA program (Supporting Adolescents with Vulnerabilities by Enhancing Resilience and Mental Health Access) this summer in six survivor homes in India, including three in Goa and three in Mumbai. Through the program, 240 girls will receive holistic mental health care and access to restorative services. SAVERA will train non-specialist caregivers who work with survivors throughout the six homes.

"We believe that in order to transform lives, we must first renew minds. Likewise, our experience shows that, for the abused and traumatized young girls we work with, holistic psychosocial care is required for true healing and the restoration of hope.

Our research shows that the most effective

EmancipAction recently took the next step in expanding its approach to help survivors -17-

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

way to deliver this kind of transformational care at scale is to train and properly supervise the non-specialist caregivers who work with survivors,? said Laura Entwistle, co-founder of EmancipAction.

EmancipAction is currently in phase one of

Most children in government and private

approximately 40 homes across India.

care homes have suffered sexual violence

?Once the mental chains are loosened,

of some kind, but not all of them are

true freedom is gained. Even children who

victims of commercial sex slavery (CSE) or

have been severely traumatized can begin

human trafficking. Therefore, the scope of

to grow and flourish. By collaborating with

care is broad enough to help all children

multiple organizations, we are bringing the

who are in need of a trauma-informed

right resources together and establishing a

sexual abuse recovery program. SAVERA is

robust, scalable solution. This holistic

based on a variety of evidence-based

approach provides kids who have been

psychological interventions to address a

robbed of

wide range of disorders that are associated

vocational alternatives, the chance to catch

with extreme sexual violence. Key program

up and equip themselves with the skills

elements include skills building in health

and opportunities they need to transform

promotion, emotional regulation, distress

their lives and achieve their dreams,? said

tolerance, and problem solving.

Entwistle.

SAVERA, but expects to scale up the program in the next 18 to 24 months to benefit more than 2,000 child survivors in

an education and healthy

About EmancipAction and Kim Stiver: EmancipAction is a young and dynamic nonprofit organization with registration in the United States and India. It is comprised of professionals from the health care, nonprofit and corporate world who refuse to sit by while adults sell, enslave and rape the world?s most vulnerable children. The team puts its professional skills, networks and resources to work as it explores new and collaborative approaches to bring healing, hope and transformation to broken kids. As a marketing consultant for EmancipAction, Kim Stiver is passionate about helping EmancipAction create authentic engagement through compelling storytelling, fostering meaningful, deep relationships with donors and partners, and generating sustainable growth and awareness of this critical cause.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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SHE HAS A NAME

by Taylor Nolan

T

ransitions are hard. For survivors of

transitional period is crucial for survivors

human

are

in order to decrease vulnerabilities that

exponentially harder. The shift from

would leave them susceptible to more

constant

trafficking,

exploitation

self-sufficiency resources,

they

to freedom

requires

including

any

and

expansive necessary

trauma.

She Has A Name, a Columbus, Ohio based anti-human

trafficking

non-profit

treatment, development of new skills, and a

dependable

support

system.

organization, identified a need in the

Unfortunately, after a survivor of trauma

community to offer survivors effective

receives initial aid and care, there are few

transitional care. Strategies for Success is a

resources available to assist with her

college course specifically for women who

transitional

are survivors of trauma and currently in a

period

post-recovery.

This

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

transitional period of life. The course is

"'I have discovered that I am actually capableof learning,' she said, a powerful testament to the importance of caring for survivors at each and every stage of their journey, especially through their transitions."

organized in a format that truly allows women to learn how to optimize their unique gifts and talents in a more practical manner, because women who are aware of their worth and value are unstoppable.

While enrolled in the seven-week course, students, along with their mentors, identify their

personal

learning

styles,

their

personal strengths, and their opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Equipped

opportunities or to further their education.

with this knowledge, they are then taught

To prepare them for the professional

how to build a resume, develop necessary

environment,

computer skills, and set and maintain

meaningful advice on how to dress for

priorities. This gives them the tools that

success, how to resolve conflict with peers,

they need in order to apply for better job

and how to ace a job interview. To wrap up

guest

speakers

give

the course, the ladies must put their new knowledge to use in a mock job interview.

Women are equipped with discernible, measurable, marketable skills that help to give them the greatest chances of success in work or school, but they are also taught the necessary tools to support lifelong goals and sustainable independent living.

Strategies

for

Success

graduation

ceremonies are intimate, filled with grace and Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

-20-

joy.

This past

May?s

graduation

celebrated

the

new

mentor for the care and patience she had

graduates, raising the total number of

given her throughout the course, and

graduates

reconnected with her

to

journey

of

twenty-four.

six

They

were

father. ?I have

surrounded by their families, mentors, and

discovered that I am actually capable of

the She Has A Name staff, who spent the

learning,? she said, a powerful testament

evening lifting the women up and sharing

to the importance of caring for survivors at

in their triumph. One by one the women

each and every stage of their journey,

walked to the front of the room to accept

especially through their transitions.

their certificates, pausing to share with

Creating

those present what they were able to

system is crucial for survivors to live

accomplish through Strategies for Success

healthy,

and what their hopes were for the future.

survivors of trauma through the difficult

As one woman stepped to the front of the

transitions that they face as they pursue

room and looked out into the small crowd,

their

she burst into tears. Her father had snuck

continued safety, sobriety, and serenity.

into the ceremony and was watching quietly from

the back of

the room.

Everyone in the room shared in her elation as she recounted her story, thanked her

a

comprehensive

successful

freedom

lives.

response

Supporting

is paramount

to

their

Breakthrough is possible for survivors of human trafficking, and all it takes are the right resources and people willing to care for them well along their journey.

Taylor Nolan isan intern at SheHasA Nameas well as a senior at The Ohio State University.

She isstudying Women?s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies as well as Communications and Political Science. After graduation she would like to continue her involvement in the Columbus anti-human trafficking movement while pursuing a law degree.

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN BE A PART OF ENDING SLAVERY BY WALKING ON OCTOBER 20TH??

EVERY DETAIL YOU NEED TO

KNOW IS

IN THIS VIDEO

REGISTER NOW!

TOGETHER, WE WILL END SLAVERY? AND IT STARTS BY YOU JOINING US ON OCTOBER 20TH

REFUGE AND RESILIENCE

by Lisa M ich elle "Today istheday I opened my eyes and finally realized I am worth morethan what I think.?

"I just told you something I thought I would never tell another soul as long asI lived.?

"I want tobea criminal justiceattorney, soI can help girlsjust likeme. I want them toknow thereissomeonewhounderstandswhat they?vebeen through."

"Someday I will audition for TheVoice. I grew up singing in church & want a chancetowin TheVoice!" he words you just read are from very young girls, minors sitting in a juvenile detention facility for crimes they may have been coerced to commit.

These are thirteen to seventeen year old girls in San Antonio,Texas. Girls just like your daughter. Girls that fell into the trap of a Romeo pimp. Today?s modern-day pimp isn?t who you think he is. He uses a young boy her age called a ?Knocker ? who will befriend your daughter. He?s very charming and convincing, even to parents.

Eventually he introduces her to the pimp, the trafficker. In the beginning everything seems great. Your daughter is being given lavish gifts, maybe having her nails done,

T

she?s being showered with attention through social media and instant messaging. She?ll hear what any little girl wants to hear, especially if her needs aren?t being met at home. The way they hunt and catch their prey is masterful--and frighteningly easy.

Teenage girls are very vulnerable in general, but when you add an absent father, or an abusive mother, or family troubles, addiction, alcoholism and abuse, they are even easier to prey upon. Most of the girls I mentor ran away from home because they didn?t feel safe there. The streets actually feel safer to them, and they feel they have more control. But that

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

When we meet for the first time, all that initially drew her in? the glamor, the gifts and the flattery? has been turned into a bruised, battered body with scars in places they should not be. Dark circles under her eyes, hard-core drug addicted, an unkempt look, and a mind that has been rewired to crave a drug, a man, and even going back to the life that scares them silly. The fact feeling is short lived once they meet their first pimp (trafficker). They lie in wait at bus stops, parks, malls, social media and known hangouts where kids go. Apartment complexes seem to be a pretty popular spot, too. Then they take advantage of the vulnerabilities in the girls and, before they know what happened, it?s game over for them. But soon after? that?s when we meet. I am a survivor leader for the Refuge DMST and lead a mentorship program for minors that have been confirmed to be trafficked or at-risk. My visits to the Juvenile Detention facility are time well spent, as I have seen progress in each girl.

Today, I had my heart broken then restored with hope within a matter of a few hours. Our girls shared their darkest secrets, and their stories would make the hair on your arm stand up.

These children have experienced things most adults never experience in a life time, especially sexually. The dark world of trafficking has no boundaries and has no concern for the value of life. It?s all about the money and how much a girl can bring in each day.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

that I get to sit on a chapel floor and color, draw, and work together on puzzles while we each get to share our stories and process what we?ve been through has been a very rewarding and healing process for all of us.

When I was seven years old, a kindly grandfatherly man who lived across the street from us lured me in with his chocolate chip cookies and lemonade. I had no idea it was laced with drugs. The things that happened to me are straight from the pit of hell. This man was a pedophile and sexually exploited me through the use of pornography. This went on until I was nine. My story has many layers to it, and these years represent only a portion of my story. Now I have experienced complete inner healing and share my story across the world. I am able to let each child I work with understand and know exactly what she went through because I was her and she is me. We share a survivor sister bond that no perpetrator will ever take from us. We are stronger, smarter and more resilient because of our

-24-

scars, and I for one love to show the girls how to find beauty in theirs.

this, I urge you today to find out what is

In the state of Texas, there are almost

organizations that are making a difference,

79,000 minors and youth victims of sex

then

trafficking. I honestly can?t wrap my brain

organizations any way you can. These are

around this. But seeing the number of

our future generations and these children

young girls in need of mentoring and

need an army to rise up and invest in their

making an outcry in our city alone, these

futures.

numbers are starting to come into focus. If

movement means one more child just

this is the first time you?re hearing about

might have been heard!

happening

in

volunteer

Every

your and

voice

city.

Identify

support

that

joins

these

the

Lisa Michelle is the social entrepreneur behind the beauty brand Lily & Co., an abolitionist and the Founder & Executive Director of No Strings Attached Ministries. Her beauty products provide funding for safe houses globally and NSA Ministries provides a safe place for women to heal from the aftermath of sexual exploitation. She is a mentor for DMST survivors in juvenile detention with The Refuge DMST and has dedicated her life tothiscause.

\ http://www.lilynco.net/ http://www.twitter.com/ lilycompany http://www.nsagirls.org/

She is a survivor of child sexual exploitation and complex trauma and tells her story to help women to find beauty in their scars as she has found beauty in hers.

If you believe you?re a victim of sex trafficking or know someone who is and need immediate help please dial (888) 373-7888 and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center will find you local assistance. Or you can text "HELP" or "INFO? to the number 233733 for discreet help.

Top 3 Three Red Flags: * Avoids eye contact * Is not free to leave or come and go as he/ she wishes. * Shows signs of physical and/ or sexual abuse. physical restraint, confinement to torture.

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

ur o i n sue! g n 8 is i Com r 201 e t n Wi

Spot l i gh t on

St ori es of I l l u m i n a t i on We are NOW accepting submissions for our Winter 2018 edition!

Illu m in at e: ver b. To ligh t u p .

In winter, the days get shorter and darker. But it only takes a small flicker of light to dispel darkness. That's what many of our readers and contributors do all year long? light up the darkness. In our Winter 2018 Issue (to be published Dec.1, 2018), we want to highlight "Stories of Illumination." Whether it is illuminating hearts and minds by bringing awareness, or by literally stepping into darkness with the light of hope and freedom, we want to hear from you. If you, or someone you know, has a story to share, please contact us at submissions@voicesofjustice.org.

The deadline for submissions for our Winter Issue is: October 30, 2018

For more information, visit: www.voicesofjustice.org/submissions/

NAOMI'S STORY

by Jen n a Fu n k h ou ser

"I

t makes you want to cry.?

Naomi spoke with a quiet passion as she shared about the basic needs of families in Engatani, a remote village of Tanzania. A Maasai woman, she grew up in a village like this one and now sees it as her mission to empower women like her. ?There are so many needs, so many more than we can help meet,? she admits. There is a school in the village, but families are

tempted to take their children out of school and marry them as early as age 7 because they have no money for uniform or school fees. Most of the children go to school hungry.

Naomi knew she wanted to be a part of the solution. Four years ago, she told a mentor, ?I want to start a ministry with the women, but I don?t know how to start.?

They began visiting the women of Engitani -27-

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

and praying with them. Slowly, the vision for a women?s empowerment program was born, and about one year ago they had enough money to purchase a mill and build a grinding facility.

The women of the community run the mill, grinding maize for a small fee for the rest of the village. The project has begun slowly, hindered by the different harvest seasons and the sometimes-working mill they could afford to purchase. But little by little, change is happening in Engitani. All the women ? about 40 total ? put their money together and purchase things their children need such as school supplies, food, shoes and socks. They enjoy having a job to do. They feel that something has changed in their life, that they have more opportunity in front of them.

able to consistently attend and bring supplies such as pencils and paper.

And the best part? ?The women have something to share. People are receiving what we bring,? Naomi smiles. As a woman who narrowly escaped being a child bride herself, she knows the value of giving women a voice and a place at the table. ?I want to teach the women of Maasai to stand with their kids,? she says. She has big dreams for creating other job skills programs and continuing to empower the entire community.

These women are gaining a status of

As Loom continues our strategic focus in East Africa, we look forward to further partnership with leaders like Naomi? leaders not only with enormous vision, but who are building measurable change with whatever resources they have available. Our goal is to accelerate the work of social innovators like Naomi so they have greater capacity and sustainability.

honor

helping

?The door is opened,? says Naomi as she

provide for their families. The school has

reflects on the past year, ?and I know that

changed dramatically as children are now

one day everything will be clear.?

Sometimes one of their husbands even tells Naomi, ?I have seen my wife has changed. Thank you for your prayers.? in

the community for

Jenna Funkhouser lives in Portland, Oregon with her husband and a handful of mostly alive houseplants. She studied CreativeWriting at Corban University and loves exploring the power of storytelling in giving dignity and advocating for change. She currently works in communicationsfor local anti-trafficking nonprofits.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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THE ROLE OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE IN THE SEX TRAFFICKING INDUSTRY

by Ju di Noble "Although domestic violence and human trafficking are different forms of victimizations, there are similarities and intersections between these types of violence. The characteristics of the main players in these crimes are very similar." hat if Domestic Violence was an actual pre-cursor to sex trafficking? What if, in taking domestic violence issues more seriously in our community, we could decrease the possibilities of runaways and homelessness for women and children? In doing so, it just might create fewer opportunities for sex traffickers to find victims.

W

In my 23 years of working in the field of domestic violence, I continue to see an alarming increase in the number of homeless women and children. According to a 2012 study on homelessness in Minnesota, 30% of women were homeless due to domestic violence.[ 1] When women and children are abused, they have an increased likelihood of ending up on the

streets. When that happens, it puts vulnerable moms who just want to take care of their children, in a position where they are at risk of being manipulated or trapped by sex traffickers.

In this article we hope to give you fresh insights into the world of domestic violence and the role it plays in the sex trafficking industry. Although domestic violence and human trafficking are different forms of victimizations, there are similarities and intersections between these types of violence. The characteristics of the main players in these crimes are very similar. The National Resource Center on Domestic violence reports that both batterers and traffickers use the same methods to dominate their victims, and those methods are power, control, intimidation and manipulation. Other

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

common tactics used by both traffickers and perpetrators of domestic violence include isolation, physical and emotional violence, sexual abuse and exploitation, financial abuse, threats to family members, use of children to manipulate and control their victims, withholding of food, sleep, and medical care, among others.

While there are often multiples players in the trafficking industry, with domestic violence it is almost always a single player.

Trafficking is not usually considered intimate partner violence (IPV). However, in recent studies, IPV can easily turn into something even more perverse.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

Women are intimidated and subjected to violence because of the real fear of their partner or pimp?s power and control. They lose their voices and give away their own power to the one who is the threat.

The following true story is not an isolated example. A woman and her child had been physically abused by the woman?s live-in boyfriend. Ultimately, he was arrested for domestic violence, however the woman was reluctant to talk to the police regarding her relationship with the defendant. She finally explained to the detective that her boyfriend had not only abused her and her child, but also forced

-30-

her to engage in commercial sex.

This was clearly domestic violence, and commercial sexual exploitation.

This particular case is occurring more often than most of us realize.

This story clearly shows that domestic violence is a true intersection to human trafficking.

Abusers have no concern for their intimate partner ?s care or safety.

The narcissistic behavior of abusers can lead them to trafficking their partners for the pure purpose of making money. This is when a partner actually turns into a pimp.

"Research indicatesthat runaway and homelessyouth areat particular risk of being trafficked. TheNational Center for Missing and Exploited Children showsthat 1 in 6 reported runawaysexhibit signsof sex trafficking."

believing she will be incarcerated and it is

intimate partners were perpetrators of both sex and labor trafficking. Ten percent of hotline calls were reports of intimate partner violence or familial human trafficking. She heard multiple stories of intimate partners, parents and other family members who compelled their victims into commercial sex, domestic servitude, sexual servitude, and labor.

her fault. There is also the threat of her

There is a myth that traffickers are usually

children being trafficked if she dares to

strangers to their victims and that they

report. This brings me to my next point.

use kidnapping to acquire victims, but the

How

domestic

reality is that just like sexual abusers,

violence situations used as sex slaves? I

traffickers are often known to victims,

believe that this is totally under reported

including family or intimate partners.

due to fear of being punished. Remember

Domestic violence and human trafficking are believed to be two separate issues, when often actually they are one in the same. Almost 70% of adult female trafficking victims experienced domestic violence prior to being trafficked. Children exposed to domestic violence in the home may run away in order to avoid abuse.

Because of the fear and intimidation from their intimate partner turned pimp, they are less likely to report abuse to the authorities for fear they will be arrested.

The abuser will manipulate the victim into

often

are

children

in

domestic violence and sexual exploitation always escalates.

After months of working on national hotline for human trafficking, Becky Owens Bullard came to realize that the above case was far from unusual. She discovered multiple cases where family members and

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

Research indicates that runaway and homeless youth are at particular risk of being trafficked. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children shows that 1 in 6 reported runaways exhibit signs of sex trafficking.

As of November, 2017, over 12 million

exploitation by people close to a trafficked person is considered domestic abuse.

Awareness is critical not only in the prevention and care of survivors, but also necessary to ensure we continue to head in a direction that eliminates these abuses.

people will experience intimate partner

The longer I have been in this field, the

violence this year. Click the links to look at

similarities between sex trafficking and

the similarities between the domestic

domestic

violence and the sex trafficking power and control

wheels.

The

nonphysical

and

physical abuse between these two crimes run parallel. Awareness is also being built around service providers recognizing that people being trafficked can be intimately connected with their trafficker, and sexual

violence

have

become

increasingly clear. Not only is the link clear, but so is a significant part of the solution: If we deal with domestic violence more effectively, there is a huge possibility we will be able to stop the sexual exploitation of thousands of women and children.

That is a breakthrough worth pursuing.

Resou r ces: ?Intimate Partner and Familial Human Trafficking: When Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking Collide?, by Becky Owens Bullard, CCASA Blogger ?The Intersection of Domestic Violence and Sex Trafficking?, October 27, 2017.

1]Source: Gerrard, M., Shelton, E., Pittman, B., & Owen, G. (2012)

Judi Noble started Eagle?s Wings, a non-profit that focuses on healing, reconciliation and restoration of families that are trapped in the cycle of domestic violence, in 1995. Judi is a certified domestic violence advocate, a certified life coach, and has served in inner healing ministries for 25 years. She has logged hundreds of hours in training for the complex treatment of DV, and provides DV prevention programs to various community organizations, colleges (such as Hope University, Agrosy, and Azusa Pacific University), and local churches. Her passion is seeing women released into the fullness of their destiny.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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BREAKTHROUGH IN THE U.S. GOVERNMENT'S WAR ON HUMAN TRAFFICKING

by Rach ael William s-M ejr i

"My Administration will focus

on ending theabsolutely horrificpracticeof human trafficking. And I am prepared tobring thefull forceand weight of our government, whatever wecan do, in order tosolvethishorrificproblem.?

-President Donald J. Trump

O

ver the past many years, the United

In 2017 w e saw :

States government has taken more

路 The Department of Homeland Security initiated 833 trafficking in persons cases, which resulted in 1,602 arrests and 578 convictions, and an identification of 518 victims.

of a quiet, verbal stance in the fight against human trafficking. While some may argue this point, the reality is evident in the enormous growth of human trafficking and minimal amount of arrests in spite of the rhetoric. For example, in 2014 there were fewer than 400 arrests involved with human trafficking. However, in one month after January 2017, there were more than 1,500

arrests

?

an

unprecedented

number.[1] With a clear new interest by both the American people and the current administration,

has

there

been

progress in 2017 to end this scourge?

real

路 21,644 potential victims were identified after the Human Trafficking Hotline received reports of potential cases numbering over 8,000. 路 Nine human trafficking advisors were appointed to serve on the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. 路 The President signed into law three bi-partisan efforts called the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

Act, the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act and the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act. · The President signed an Executive Order Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption. · The President signed the Presidential Executive Order Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking. This order directs the government to ?? identify, interdict, disrupt, and dismantle the transnational criminal organizations that engage in human trafficking.?[2]

and Combat Trafficking in Persons is collaborating with other nations, as well as civil organizations, businesses and formerly trafficked individuals. · The Department of Health and Human Services has launched new training programs to help the healthcare industry identify and treat trafficking. · The Department of State contributed to the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery in an amount of $25 million. · The Department of Labor has launched a mobile app supporting private efforts to eliminate forced labor from global supply chains.

the

The Administration encouraged Americans to get involved by informing themselves on how to combat slavery.[4]

· The Interagency Task Force to Monitor

Five actions that stand out for positive progress include the executive orders

· Roundtables were hosted by President and his administration. [3]

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

-34-

blocking the property of those involved in corruption or human rights abuses, and enforcing federal law with respect to transnational criminal organizations; the Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017; the No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act; and the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act. The Executive Order Blocking the Property of Persons Involved in Serious Human Rights Abuse or Corruption blocks the property of those involved in corruption or human rights abuses. This is done by prohibiting the accused individuals from transferring, exporting, selling, or undergoing other types of transactions with their property. The individuals included under this act are both regular citizens or non-citizens as well as government or civil officials who were engaged in corruption, misappropriation of state assets, or were directly involved in human rights abuses.[5] The Executive Order Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking ?? strengthen[s] enforcement of Federal law in order to thwart transnational criminal organizations and subsidiary organizations, including criminal gangs, cartels, racketeering organizations, and other groups engaged in illicit activities that present a threat to public safety and national security.? This executive order places high priority on giving Federal law enforcement sufficient resources to deal -35-

with the issue of trafficking. Information sharing, enhanced cooperation, and strategy development also form a part of the executive order.[6] FOSTA (Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act) is bipartisan legislation that amends the 1934 Communications Act. Prior to this amendment, the Communications Decency Provisions were either impairing or limiting prosecution of sex trafficking.

That has been eliminated. Additionally, those who support and facilitate sex trafficking will now be in violation of the federal criminal code. FOSTA will provide enhanced penalties for those who engage in or facilitate the prostitution of five or more people, issuing fines and/or a 25-year prison term. It also permits victims and/or their families to seek legal action against websites that are assisting in the trafficking of persons for sex. Finally, it allows law enforcement officials to fight businesses and individuals violating sex trafficking laws. What that means more specifically will hopeful become clearer with time.[7] Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

The bipartisan legislation No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act, unanimously passed by the senate, prohibits those drivers in the trucking industry who have been found guilty of human trafficking.

Groups such as Truckers Against Trafficking see this as serious progress in the traffic of persons via interstate transportation.

Additionally, the House passed another bipartisan measure called the Combating Human Trafficking in Commercial Vehicles Act. This bill, supported by Truckers Against Trafficking, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, the National District Attorney?s Association, and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, requires:

"...the transportation secretary to designate a human trafficking prevention coordinator, as well as expand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration?s outreach and education programs to include human trafficking prevention activities." [8] Looking at the statistics and the new legislation, it is obvious that this new administration has been doing more than giving lip service to the problem. In addition

to

his

administration?s

efforts, the President urges Americans to learn more about the issue and become active in ending this atrocity in their own backyards.

Foot n ot es: [1]https://townhall.com/columnists/lizcrokin/2017/02/25/why-the-msm-is-ignoring-trumps-sex-trafficking-busts-n2290379 [2]https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-enforcing-federal-law-respect-transnational-criminal-organizations-preventing-international-trafficking/

[3]https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/president-donald-j-trump-working-end-human-trafficking/ [4]https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/president-donald-j-trump-proclaims-january-2018-national-slavery-human-trafficking-prevention-month/ [5]https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/executive-order-blocking-property-persons-involved-serious-human-rights-abuse-corruption/ [6]https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/presidential-executive-order-enforcing-federal-law-respect-transnational-criminal-organizations-preventing-international-trafficking/ [ 7]https://www.denverpost.com/2018/03/21/sex-trafficking-websites-bill-white-house/

[8]http://www.ttnews.com/articles/bipartisan-human-trafficking-legislation-advances-white-house

Rachael Williams-Mejri isthefounding editor and now a regular contributor toVOJ. Sheisan educator whospendstimestudying human trafficking in pursuit of solutionstoend it. Shehasan MA in French and an MBA, and speaksfour languages. She currently livesin Washington D.C.

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

own

-36-

Th e Jou rn ey t o Ju st i ce

Welcome to the first installment of our new regular feature, The Journey to Justice. Fighting for justice is a journey. Sometimes the journey is both long and lonely. We get it because we?re right there with you. Since one of the purposes of VOJis to encourage those on the frontlines, that's what we hope to do in this space. We know you will enjoy this inaugural devotional piece from Cathy Cupp of Extreme Love Ministries.

Cl ean si n g Rai n

by Cathy Cupp

t was an unlikely place for a breakthrough? the killing fields just outside of Phnom Penh. Because of my tender nature, this was a painful place for me to visit. The killing fields are located throughout Cambodia and hold the remains of thousands of men, women, children, and infants who were killed during the reign of the Khmer Rouge back in the 1970?s. Every time I would go, I would hurt deeply for both the living and the dead in this gentle nation ? for all who were affected by this great injustice, both then and now. From my understanding, a measure, if not most of the brokenness,

I

corruption, and issues of human trafficking in Cambodia today are a result of the effects of the genocide. I would continue thinking about the trauma long after leaving the grounds and it left me grieving over the losses with such a feeling of helplessness. What can I do? It just wasn?t fair, and the questions that I couldn?t answer would haunt me.

As we headed to the killing fields once again to host a new group who had come to serve with our team, I opted out this time and decided to stay back and pray for the group as they toured the fields.

However, after a powerful teaching that

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Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

morning on authority and identity, a new strength from the Holy Spirit rose up in me. I knew that He wanted me to face my giant, so I went with the team.

I prayed and worshiped the whole way to the killing fields and set my gaze on Jesus.

Although what the former generations went through was a massive tragedy, the comfort and revelation I received in my heart was that there is a generation now among the living who come from the generations of those who died that we can reach with the hope, the life, and love of Jesus. He is the hope for Cambodia (Matthew 12:21) and He alone can heal broken hearts and mend the soul of the nation. ?He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.?(Psalm 147:3) As the rest of the group started on the tour, I held back near the front gate. I wasn?t quite sure if I would stay there or go through the fields and pray. Shortly after, a drizzle started. Then it rained a bit harder.

Finally, the rain turned into a downpour.

I quickly sought shelter under a covering and marveled at how quickly the rain had

come after we arrived. Within moments, I felt that this was a ?cleansing rain,? and I was sensing an invitation from God Himself to come out into the rain? to be cleansed of the heavy burdens that I had been carrying for the nation and to release them back to Him. Taking off my poncho, despite the bewildered stares of onlookers, I responded to His invitation and walked out into the rain. Raising my arms and putting my face to the sky as the rain poured over me, I was cleansed both inside and out. I danced. I cried. I released. That brief moment was a lifetime shift. It truly was the breakthrough my heart needed to move forward in effective ministry in the nation.

As I conclude, I am praying for each person reading this, and my prayer for you is that today will be your day to experience a breakthrough in every single area of your life that is being held in any form of bondage. He is the God of breakthroughs!

(Micah 2:13)

Cathy Cupp is partnering with Extreme Love Ministries in Cambodia to help in the PREVENTION, RESCUE, AND AFTERCARE of women and children caught in modern day slavery through the sex tourism epidemic. She also TRAINS teachers, who will then nurture and teach at-risk children and those who have been rescued from sex trafficking and also have special needs (i.e. Down Syndrome, Autism, etc.) She is also director of the KIDS? JUSTICE HOUSE OF PRAYER (KJHP), raising up children and teens in the slums in worship and intercession for their nation and families, and how tohear thevoiceof God. -39-

Voices of Justice, Vol 4, Issue 3

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