To Help Victims of Sex Trafficking in Idaho, it Takes an Army
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Idaho COBS and law enforcement work to tackle a complex problem BY JODIE NICOTRA
If you’re like most Americans, you’ve likely heard the term “sex trafficking.” You may know that it is often called a form of modern slavery, involving the use of force or deception with the aim of exploiting people for profit. But you probably think of it as something that happens somewhere else: overseas, or maybe only in big cities. Sadly, the ugly business of trafficking is everywhere, including right here in the Gem State. It happens at highway truck stops and rest stops, in campgrounds, hotel rooms, and “trap houses,” where illegal drugs are sold. It happens to a surprising extent within families. It affects men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds. But some Idaho nonprofit organizations and members of law enforcement have been working hard to combat this entrenched, complex problem and secure justice for trafficking victims and survivors. 32
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LOCAL SUPPORT FOR TRAFFICKING VICTIMS Paula Barthelmess was working as a trauma therapist and director of a community mental health agency in Boise. At the time, she said, she wasn’t tuned into human trafficking as an issue until she and other therapists in the agency started seeing evidence of what she called “a maladaptive sexual behavior” among some of her clients. After some investigation and training, she began focusing on supporting sex trafficking victims. In 2014, seeing an unmet need, Barthelmess founded Idaho Community Outreach and Behavioral Services (COBS). COBS provides food, shelter, clothing, medical care, and other basic safety needs for victims of trafficking. The organization also offers trauma therapy and addiction treatment for clients, and runs three safe houses that have served 76 women and children. At any given time, COBS has contact with 40-60 victims and survivors, and Barthelmess meets three to six new clients in a typical week.
