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Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label advocacy. Show all posts
"Sex Trafficking: How to spot teenage victims" - WOAI News 4 San Antonio
Our director of Education/ Training interviewed on News 4. Thank you News4 for attention to detail and accuracy on this sensitive subject.
Health Care Workers are Front-Line in Early Detection of Human Trafficking Victims
January 12, 2012
Health care workers are now becoming part of the front line response in the fight against Human Trafficking. Texas State Senator Leticia Van De Putte hosted a Human Trafficking Health Summit on Wednesday, January 11 (National Human Trafficking Awareness Day) in San Antonio, TX to address this topic. The goal of this summit was to increase awareness of human trafficking in the health care field so that health care professionals are aware of best practices in responding to victim's needs and early front-line identification of victims.
Learn about Trafficking Issues in America Pt. 2
December 2, 2011
In our previous article entitled “Learn About Trafficking Issues in America” we highlighted how victims of DMST (Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking) have complex issues requiring highly skilled care. We highlighted the most critical gap for victims which is, simply stated, a National Shelter/ Treatment Crisis for victims of Domestic Minor Sex-Trafficking in the U.S. One important factor contributing to the lack of victim services is antiquated and/or missing state laws dealing with criminal activity known as Human Trafficking. Shared Hope International, an international anti-trafficking organization, released research on these state laws that are preventing effective prosecution of Traffickers and services to victims. Shared Hope entitled their research the Protected Innocence Initiative.
Untold Number of Girls Trafficked in Truck Stops Across America
An untold number of young girls are being transported across America's highways by traffickers. Though the destination for many of them is residential brothels and other sex trafficking rings, truck stops have become a popular place for traffickers to take their young victims.
One high school sophomore, Kate*, was asked by a popular boy in her class if she wanted to take a day trip to Oklahoma City. The innocent day trip turned into Kate's nightmare when the boy brought Kate to a truck stop where his father was. His father, a trafficker, then said[...]
Pimps in America: A Look at the Men Behind Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking
June 28, 2011
How exactly do young American girls get involved in domestic minor sex trafficking? Also, why are they considered victims if this is the lifestyle they are choosing?
These are common questions being asked among American public today as news of domestic minor sex trafficking in our country is exposed. We hear of foreign victims that were brought to [...]
These are common questions being asked among American public today as news of domestic minor sex trafficking in our country is exposed. We hear of foreign victims that were brought to [...]
Myths About Traffickers
June 27, 2011
Teaneck, NJ - It is easy to assume that human traffickers are the people who hide from the public and avoid "everyday" people. Like the "johns" buying girls are average American adult males, traffickers are everyday people too. There are more and more examples of seemingly innocent people who are found to be involved in some of trafficking.
A 68 year old college professor and father of three was arrested last week on over 40 counts of [...]
Teaneck, NJ - It is easy to assume that human traffickers are the people who hide from the public and avoid "everyday" people. Like the "johns" buying girls are average American adult males, traffickers are everyday people too. There are more and more examples of seemingly innocent people who are found to be involved in some of trafficking.
A 68 year old college professor and father of three was arrested last week on over 40 counts of [...]
A Closer Look at the Customers Who Buy Girls
June 20, 2011 - While media coverage of trafficking continues to focus on international victims, non-profit organizations like Traffick911, OATH (Oklahomans Against Trafficking of Humans) and Truckers Against Trafficking are educating the public about the alarming rate of Americans who are trafficked.
Another side of the story that's missing from media coverage is[...]
Another side of the story that's missing from media coverage is[...]
Triathlete Competes 27 Hours for 27 Million Slaves Worldwide
Lexington, KY - Statistics show that there are 27 million slaves worldwide. Human Trafficking is a global issue. Many Americans mistakenly think it is the kind of global issue we care about from afar. The truth is, Human Trafficking has become a major issue in the United States, while it the same time remaining under the radar of the majority of our nation. That's why a Lexington, KY woman chose the number 27 - 27 hours of running, biking and swimming to raise awareness of human trafficking in her community, in the United States and around the world.
A Perfect Partnership - Online Marketplace Partners with Anti-Trafficking Organization
Santa Barbara, CA - The internet was identified as the number one platform that traffickers use for buying and selling girls. That's why partnerships like the one between Zuujit.com, a new online marketplace, and the Not For Sale Campaign, an anti-human trafficking organization, are so important.
In addition to being a traditional online marketplace like Craiglist or Ebay, Zuujit offers the option of making a charitable difference by supporting Not For Sale Campaign with their purchase. Other non-profit organizations have been added to the list, so that buyers [...]
Ironman Champ Chris Lieto Partners to Fight Against Human Trafficking
The Woodlands, TX - Ironman Champ Chris Lieto and his non-profit organization More Than Sport, are partnering with 2 Houston Texas based organizations to fight against domestic minor sex trafficking. His non-profit organization works to use sports as a tool for positive social change.
Lieto will be competing at inaugural Memorial Hermann Ironman Texas competition in The Woodlands, Texas this Saturday, May 21, 2011.
Conference held to tackle the "Shelter Crisis" in Texas
May 13,14 2011
Austin, TX - The first Christian Shelter Conference was held last weekend in Austin, TX by Tomi Grover of TraffickStop. Non profits and individuals from across the country came together to collaborate with experts in the field of domestic minor sex trafficking. Their goal: to open a shelter for victims of DMST.
Facebook partnering to help identify child sex predators
May 18, 2011
New York, NY - Social media plays a large role in the trafficking of minors - making them more easily accessible to child sex predators online.
"Facebook is taking the lead in targeting child sexual predators and the growing problem of child pornography on the internet. It has developed a strategic alliance with Stop Child Trafficking Now, a nonprofit organization who will use its expertise and technological savvy to police Facebook for any photos, videos and content that exploit children."
"Facebook is taking the lead in targeting child sexual predators and the growing problem of child pornography on the internet. It has developed a strategic alliance with Stop Child Trafficking Now, a nonprofit organization who will use its expertise and technological savvy to police Facebook for any photos, videos and content that exploit children."
Student Activist fights to end trafficking in massage parlors
May 5, 2011
Pittsburgh, PA - Jessica Goodman, a student at Carnegie Mellon University, is doing a research project on anti-trafficking issues. As part of her research project, she is helping rally support for the proposal that would strengthen regulations on massage parlors in Pittsburgh. Goodman says there are 5,000+ brothels in the United States that are posing as massage parlors.
Goodman is very familiar with the topic of human trafficking in the United States and has worked for human right, anti-trafficking organizations: Human Rights USA and the Polaris Project. As part of a school research project, Goodman and a friend decided to find out how many brothels in Pittsburgh were disguising themselves as massage parlors.
Pittsburgh, PA - Jessica Goodman, a student at Carnegie Mellon University, is doing a research project on anti-trafficking issues. As part of her research project, she is helping rally support for the proposal that would strengthen regulations on massage parlors in Pittsburgh. Goodman says there are 5,000+ brothels in the United States that are posing as massage parlors.
Goodman is very familiar with the topic of human trafficking in the United States and has worked for human right, anti-trafficking organizations: Human Rights USA and the Polaris Project. As part of a school research project, Goodman and a friend decided to find out how many brothels in Pittsburgh were disguising themselves as massage parlors.
First missing child on milk carton believed to be trafficked
March 2, 2011
Des Moines, IA - The mother of Johnny Gosch still has hope. Johnny went missing in 1982 during his paper route. His parents found out as customers started complaining that they hadn't gotten their papers. When his father walked around the neighborhood, he found his Johnny's wagon still full of papers, with Johnny nowhere to be seen.
Johnny Gosch's missing case was the first to be publicized on a milk carton, and is one of the most famous missing child cases of our time. Yet Johnny is still not back. With over 25 years of searching, his mom still has hope that Johnny is alive.
Johnny's mom doesn't believe he ran away, or was taken in by another family, she believes he was and continues to be a victim of human trafficking. Johnny's mom travels around the country for two reasons: to aid in the investigation to find her missing son and to share their story.
It happens frequently. Children are reported missing without a trace. Instead of returning safely to their families, often they are brought into the world of trafficking.
TIPLINE: 1-800-THE-LOST
Read the Full Story Here
Des Moines, IA - The mother of Johnny Gosch still has hope. Johnny went missing in 1982 during his paper route. His parents found out as customers started complaining that they hadn't gotten their papers. When his father walked around the neighborhood, he found his Johnny's wagon still full of papers, with Johnny nowhere to be seen.
Johnny Gosch's missing case was the first to be publicized on a milk carton, and is one of the most famous missing child cases of our time. Yet Johnny is still not back. With over 25 years of searching, his mom still has hope that Johnny is alive.
Johnny's mom doesn't believe he ran away, or was taken in by another family, she believes he was and continues to be a victim of human trafficking. Johnny's mom travels around the country for two reasons: to aid in the investigation to find her missing son and to share their story.
It happens frequently. Children are reported missing without a trace. Instead of returning safely to their families, often they are brought into the world of trafficking.
TIPLINE: 1-800-THE-LOST
Johnny Gosch
Missing Since: 09/05/1982
Missing From: West Des Moines, IA
Classification: Endangered Missing
Age at Disappearance: 12
Height: 5’7”
Weight: 140 lbs
Eyes: Blue
Hair: Light Brown
Identifying mark:
-Facial freckles
-Gap between upper front teeth
-Birthmark on left cheek
Read the Full Story Here
83% of Human Trafficking cases investigated involved US Citizens; 94% were female victims
April 28, 2011
Washington D.C. - Department of Justice released a study of over 2,500 cases that were investigated for human trafficking. All cases occurred between January 2008 - June 2010.
Department of Justice defined human trafficking as "the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person to perform labor or a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion. Any commercial sex act performed by a person under age 18 is considered human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is involved." under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Some of the data uncovered:
Read the Full Article Here
Washington D.C. - Department of Justice released a study of over 2,500 cases that were investigated for human trafficking. All cases occurred between January 2008 - June 2010.
Department of Justice defined human trafficking as "the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person to perform labor or a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion. Any commercial sex act performed by a person under age 18 is considered human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is involved." under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act.
Some of the data uncovered:
- 94% of sex trafficking victims were female
- 83% of sex trafficking victims were US citizens
- 81% of confirmed suspects were male
Read the Full Article Here
Tattoo Artists will receive training to fight Sex Trafficking
April 28, 2011 - Change.org, an organization that runs online campaigns for social change, ran a campaign to bring awareness of human trafficking to tattoo artists.
"Branding" is a common way traffickers use to keep track of their victims. They might bring one or several young girls into a tattoo parlor to get a type of "brand" put on them.
Bringing awareness to tattoo artists will give them an understanding of what is happening and what they can do to help. The hope is that they will contact law enforcement, or any anti-trafficking organization if they suspect trafficking is occurring among their clients.
Over 2,000 signed the change.org petition which they declared a "victory" on April 28, 2011. The victory is the National Tattoo Artist Association invited Polaris Project, a national anti-trafficking organization out of Washington D.C., to speak at their next annual conference. This will raise awareness of the issue to a group of people who have the power to help stop trafficking!
Read the Full Article Here
"Branding" is a common way traffickers use to keep track of their victims. They might bring one or several young girls into a tattoo parlor to get a type of "brand" put on them.
Bringing awareness to tattoo artists will give them an understanding of what is happening and what they can do to help. The hope is that they will contact law enforcement, or any anti-trafficking organization if they suspect trafficking is occurring among their clients.
Over 2,000 signed the change.org petition which they declared a "victory" on April 28, 2011. The victory is the National Tattoo Artist Association invited Polaris Project, a national anti-trafficking organization out of Washington D.C., to speak at their next annual conference. This will raise awareness of the issue to a group of people who have the power to help stop trafficking!
Read the Full Article Here
4/27/11 Declared "Human Trafficking Advocacy Day" at the Capitol
April 27, 2011 Austin, TX - Sen. Leticia van De Putte declared yesterday, April 27, 2011, Human Trafficking Advocacy Day at the capitol as individuals and organizations from across Texas gathered on the south steps of the capitol to rally against human trafficking.In addition to hearing from Sen. Van De Putte, a political leader in advocating against trafficking, Attorney General Greg Abbott also spoke on the issue. We also had the opportunity to hear from the President and CEO of Children at Risk, Dr. Robert Sanborn, on the issue.
Attorney General Greg Abbott and Sen. Leticia Van De Putte
Speakers emphasized that trafficking is a $32 billion dollar industry, permeating every state in our country.
The host of the rally was CHILDREN AT RISK - "a nonprofit organization that drives change for children through research, education and influencing public policy."
Another step towards putting a complete end to slavery, in our state and across the world. As many of the speakers said on the steps of the capitol, "Texas is no longer open for business."
Freedom Youth Foundation at HT Advocacy Day -
President & CEO, Saul Castellanos, Vickie Ernst of our Advisory Board and Nilda Castellanos of our Board of Directors.
President & CEO, Saul Castellanos, Vickie Ernst of our Advisory Board and Nilda Castellanos of our Board of Directors.
Demi and Ashton Launch "Real Men Don't Buy Girls" Campaign Against Human Trafficking
April 11, 2011
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher launched their campaign fighting against domestic minor sex trafficking yesterday. The DNA Foundation (Demi & Ashton Foundation) was established to raise awareness of child sex slavery in the United States, change cultural stereotypes that facilitate the problem and rehabilitate innocent victims.
Other A-List celebrities are joining the cause. Justin Timberlake starred in this video as part of the viral video campaign for the DNA Foundation:
The DNA Foundation is urging others to join in by creating their own videos, spreading the word via social networking and reporting when they see suspicious activity online relating to sex trafficking.
To go to DNA's Website:
Read the Full Article Here
Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher launched their campaign fighting against domestic minor sex trafficking yesterday. The DNA Foundation (Demi & Ashton Foundation) was established to raise awareness of child sex slavery in the United States, change cultural stereotypes that facilitate the problem and rehabilitate innocent victims.
Other A-List celebrities are joining the cause. Justin Timberlake starred in this video as part of the viral video campaign for the DNA Foundation:
The DNA Foundation is urging others to join in by creating their own videos, spreading the word via social networking and reporting when they see suspicious activity online relating to sex trafficking.
To go to DNA's Website:
Read the Full Article Here
It's Bigger Than You Think: Human Trafficking Networks in the United States
More eyes are being turned towards human trafficking in the United States as people find out just how big this problem is.
Bradley Myles, Executive Director of the Polaris Project in Washington D.C., speaks on the many different networks of human trafficking that are in the United States.
This video explains what Bradley and others working to end this modern day form of slavery have found in their research and investigations. The problem is bigger than you think.
Bradley Myles, Executive Director of the Polaris Project in Washington D.C., speaks on the many different networks of human trafficking that are in the United States.
This video explains what Bradley and others working to end this modern day form of slavery have found in their research and investigations. The problem is bigger than you think.
FYP Board Member, Chris Burchell, Presents at Blue Ribbon Task Force Conference
March 25, 2011
San Antonio, TX - The Blue Ribbon Task Force of San Antonio, a Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention organization, held it's annual conference on Friday, March 25.
Senator Carlos Uresti was the main speaker for the event, along with Judge Peter Sakai of Children's Court and Legal Issues and Dr. William Rainford of Our Lady of the Lake University. They, as well as other speakers, addressed the general issue of child abuse in our county.
Human Trafficking was discussed throughout the conference.
Freedom Youth Project was represented by CEO Saul Castellanos; Board Member, Chris Burchell, and Communications Coordinator, Lauren Palmieri.
Chris Burchell, a Freedom Youth Project board member, with 27 years of experience in law enforcement, presented on the work he's done with Human Trafficking in San Antonio and across the nation. Chris spoke on his work in training other law enforcement personnel to recognize human trafficking and the frequency with which it happens in Bexar county alone.
Read Press Story
San Antonio, TX - The Blue Ribbon Task Force of San Antonio, a Child Abuse Awareness and Prevention organization, held it's annual conference on Friday, March 25.
Senator Carlos Uresti was the main speaker for the event, along with Judge Peter Sakai of Children's Court and Legal Issues and Dr. William Rainford of Our Lady of the Lake University. They, as well as other speakers, addressed the general issue of child abuse in our county.
Human Trafficking was discussed throughout the conference.
Freedom Youth Project was represented by CEO Saul Castellanos; Board Member, Chris Burchell, and Communications Coordinator, Lauren Palmieri.
Chris Burchell, a Freedom Youth Project board member, with 27 years of experience in law enforcement, presented on the work he's done with Human Trafficking in San Antonio and across the nation. Chris spoke on his work in training other law enforcement personnel to recognize human trafficking and the frequency with which it happens in Bexar county alone.
Read Press Story
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