In anticipation for Dressember to start back up again, I've been pursuing clear answers to a question I am very frequently asked:
"How does my donation actually help to rescue trafficking victims?"
Something to understand fundamentally about the issue of human trafficking is that the whole operation runs completely underground. Traffickers or "pimps" are able to sustain their "business" by being undetectable. They walk around in plain sight.
Victims (young girls and boys) are often being blackmailed, threatened, even tortured - so that they will keep silent and continue on in what they refer to as "the life."
This being understood, let me reinforce the point that: THIS IS HAPPENING RIGHT UNDER OUR NOSES. IN EVERY MAJOR CITY. ALL AROUND THE WORLD. IN THAILAND. IN INDIA. IN NASHVILLE. IN PASADENA. IN YOUR BACKYARD. (Click here to learn how to spot signs of trafficking in your city)
Human trafficking is a very complex animal to understand but for the sake of this post, I'm going to break down the basics of how we fight the issue, and where your funds go when you donate.
The main three ways we combat trafficking are:
1. Rescue & Rehabilitation for the Victims
2. Prosecution for Exploiters
3. Education/ Prevention
1. Rescue & Rehabilitation for the Victims
Hypothetically, let's say an organization that does rescue work succeeds in discovering a victim who wants help.
What now?
A while back, I got into a conversation with the founders of Rescue 1 Global, and they were stressing the importance of having a place for a victim to stay before they reach out to help them. Otherwise, they could put these young people in an extremely dangerous situation. If they try to escape from their exploiter and are unsuccessful, they are often subjected to horrors at the hands of their pimps who would "make an example" out of them.
Besides the necessity of secluded rescue homes, essential needs and many other forms of care are necessary to keep survivors away from "the life."
Organizations seek to empower survivors to be more than just "survivors." Through therapy, placement through the system, and sometimes teaching a trade like sewing or cosmetology, stability can be created to keep them out of prostitution.
On the A21 website, they describe where donations go to help rehabilitate survivors:
"Our victim assistance facilities provide basic essentials such as clothes, toothbrushes, beds, etc, alongside access to medical care, psychological assessment, recreational activities and life guidance for victims of human trafficking.
In addition, we also provide access to counseling, psychiatric care, medical care, legal assistance and representation, vocational training, repatriation assistance and assistance securing employment.
Our restoration programs provide for the day-to-day needs of the victims, such as food, clothes, toiletry items etc.
All of our restoration facilities are funded by the generosity of donors."
The actual act of rescuing also requires funds.
Another friend of mine, the founder of Justice Speaks was telling me how quickly costs can accumulate in the logistics of seeking out victims, connecting with them, or transporting them. For example, she told me about how the local law enforcement urged that they rent cars every time they drive to do a rescue - and not drive their own vehicles at the risk of exposing their identities and subjecting themselves to serious danger. "So there's another cost," she said, "renting cars."
Since all the work has to be undercover, costs like this accumulate quickly when it comes to the act of accessing/rescuing a victim. Then, once a girl or boy is rescued, there are costs to keep them safe, fed, and set up for success to move forward outside of prostitution.
2. Prosecution for Exploiters
This is the part many of us wish we could participate in. Justice!
International Justice Mission, or IJM is a leading organization that engages in all facets of combat for the issue. As you can see in their descriptions here, they assist in legal cases against traffickers as well as train others to do the same.
There is another awesome organization that exists specifically for rescue called "Operation Underground Railroad." or O.U.R.
On their about page, they summarize:
"O.U.R.'s Underground Jump Team consists of former CIA, Navy SEALs, and Special Ops operatives that lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts. These operations are always in conjunction with law enforcement throughout the world."
These B.A.M.F.'s are the ones cuffing the exploiters and turning them over to the local law enforcement, sometimes posing as buyers and getting footage (proof) of the pimps doing their exchange. You can check out their site to view videos of their rescue operations and ways to donate HERE.
3. Education/ Prevention
Just as important as the first two, education and awareness is crucial for future prevention. As I've mentioned, this horrific underground "business" thrives on its being completely secretive. Without proper awareness and education, they can walk around in plain sight.
But.
The more of us that are aware and can spot them, the quicker we can shut them down.
I mentioned my friend earlier who founded Justice Speaks. She travels around speaking about trafficking to junior high schools, high schools, organizations, churches - whoever is willing to be educated.
The average age of entry into trafficking, sadly, is 11 - 13 years old.
This is why educating junior highers especially is so key. Vulnerable youth are the main target for an exploiter. There are statistics that claim any youth that runs away from home has a 48 hour period until they are approached by a trafficker. The LGBT community is also effected greatly. If and when they are shunned by their families and put out into the street, they become susceptible to being trafficked.
Teaching young boys and girls to spot the signs of a trafficker before they become lured past the point of escape can save the next generation. (To get a speaker for your school or event, the Justice Speaks "request a speaker" page is: HERE.)
Likewise, as adults, we should be able to spot the warning signs and rescue/prevent a life from being trafficked, especially those of us that work with youth.
Save the trafficking hotline number in your phone and report anything suspicious.
National Human Trafficking Resource Center:
1 (888) 373-7888
There are limitless ways to raise awareness - just by being who YOU are, living YOUR life. A friend of mine, Jordan Black led a peaceful protest through Pasadena last year to raise awareness through Care 18.
We also passed out flyers encouraging people to join the LA Freedom Walk, (which will happen again this January 2017.)
I hope that this blog helped with understanding the issue, or at least provided resources for you to do your own investigating. Each organization is a little different, some will focus more on strengthening the survivors to live fruitful lives after the fact, while some do specifically the rescue. Each facet of the fight is essential to abolishing modern day slavery, and each requires funding. Ultimately, all organizations want to raise awareness however they can through education, fundraising, freedom walks - the sky is the limit!
Now that December is in full swing, Dressember is taking donations through the Holidays.
I hope we can all play our part in helping this amazing cause, (and now hopefully better understand where our efforts & funds are going.)
When you donate to Dressember, your funds will be dispersed to two organizations I have mentioned in this blog: IJM (International Justice Mission) and A21 (Abolishing Injustice in the 21st Century)
Maybe we can't all be the "former CIA" kicking down doors, but we can certainly wear a dress to work, or start a conversation that might not transpire otherwise. Do what you can right where you are today, and don't do nothing because of the untrue belief that you can't help free modern day slaves. You can!
Thank you all so much for caring enough to read.
Let's use our resources to continue rallying around those in slavery this holiday season.
Much love,
- Angelique Calvillo
SAVING INNOCENCE EVENT.