ABOLITIONISTJB

Dallas area non-profit events supporting victims of human trafficking and violence

2012-02-22T08:11:00.000-08:00

Below is an email I received from Mosaic Family Services in Dallas. I live in the Dallas area and wholly support Mosaic. They have some great events coming up that I invite everyone to attend who lives in the DFW area.

Dear John,

Thank you for your ongoing support of Mosaic and our efforts to serve refugee and immigrant survivors of violence!

Mosaic is unique in providing legal protection for victims as well as food, shelter, counseling, and case management. Our Multicultural Legal Services Program assists victims of domestic violence and human trafficking in both immigration and family law.

Many of the laws that protect our clients and the funding that helps us to provide legal services is made available under the Violence Against Women Act, which is up for reauthorization this year. To learn more about the reauthorization process and how to contact your Senator about supporting VAWA, check out 4vawa.org

Upcoming Events

Benefit Dinner at Desta Ethiopian Restaurant
.

From 5:30-11pm on Monday, March 5, Desta Ethiopian Restaurant will donate 10% of all proceeds to Mosaic Family Services.

Come eat a delicious Ethiopian dinner and support Mosaic at the same time!

Join us at: 12101 Greenville Ave, Suite 105 Dallas, TX 75243

5K and 1 Mile Run

Benefiting Mosaic Family Services

Join us on Saturday, May 12th to learn more about human trafficking in the Dallas area and what you can do help stop it!

Click here to Register

For more information go to www.mosaicservices.org/events

Thank you again for your support. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events!

Many thanks,

Laura Haynes
Development Director
Mosaic Family Services

Journalist and author Lucia Mann writes new book on modern slavery

2012-02-22T07:57:00.000-08:00

In January, MSNBC.com posted a report of its four-month investigation into a slavery network emanating in Eastern Europe. Every year, it says, some 200,000 women and girls are smuggled out of impoverished former Soviet countries and sent to the Middle East, Western Europe and the United States, where they’re held captive.

In Haiti, UNICEF reported thousands of children were illegally trafficked out of the country following the devastating earthquakes two years ago. Selling orphaned children as slaves is a common problem following natural disasters, it says.

“Modern-day slavery is an even bigger problem than it was during the years of legalized slave trade from Africa to the Americas,” says Lucia Mann, the daughter of a woman who was held as a sex slave in South Africa in the 1940s. Mann, a former journalist, tells a slightly fictionalized version of her family’s story in Rise Above Hate & Anger (www.luciamann.com).

There are ways individuals can help end the suffering and reach out a hand to victims, says Mann, who created the Modern-Day Slave Reporting Centre as a tool to address the problem. Here are details about the reporting center and other resources.

• At The Modern-Day Slave Reporting Centre, www.mdsrc.org, anyone who suspects a person is being held captive, or any person who is being held their will, can file a report. The information will be reported to law enforcement officers and the person filing can request they remain a confidential source. The Web site also includes links to relevant law-enforcement agencies in Canada and the United States.

• At www.slaveryfootprint.org, people can take a short online survey that calculates the number of slaves working for you around the world based on the clothes, cars, electronic items and other consumer goods you own. The number is calculated according to what’s known about slave labor in the regions where the raw materials are produced and the goods are manufactured. (Google Chrome is required to take the survey.)

• At www.chainstorereaction.com, are email prepared letters and surveys to any of 1,566 companies asking what steps they’re taking to ensure no slave labor is used in their supply chains. Companies who complete the survey and go out of their way to describe ongoing and current efforts are tagged with a “Thank You.” Companies that complete the survey are tagged with “View Response.” As of mid-January, 70 companies ranging from Fruit of the Loom to Campbell’s Soup had earned a “Thank You.” Another 25, including Avon and Best Buy, had completed the survey. Most, though, had not responded despite numerous emails. Duracell, for instance, was sent 432 emails and Bounty was sent 221.

• In California, the Transparency in Supply Chains Act became effective Jan. 1. It requires retailers and manufacturers with gross receipts of $100 million to disclose what they’ve done – or haven’t done – to eliminate slavery in their supply chains. While there are no punitive consequences, advocates say the law will raise awareness and allow consumers to reward or punish companies with their shopping choices. Residents of other states can lobby legislators for a similar law.

“There is nowhere in the world now where slavery is legal, and yet more than 27 million people are held captive as forced laborers or sex slaves,” Mann says. “That’s more than twice the number enslaved during 400 years of trans-Atlantic trading.

Raising Americans’ awareness and concern is the first step to ending slavery, Mann says.“If there is no money to be made from enslaving people, it will end.”

About Lucia Mann

Lucia Mann was born in British colonial South Africa in the wake of World War II and lives in British Columbia, Canada. She retired from freelance journalism in 1998 and wrote Rise Above Hate & Anger to give voice to those who suffered brutalities and captivity decades ago.

IJM Gets First Conviction of 2012

2012-02-22T07:44:00.000-08:00

I received this email from Sean Litton with the International Justice Mission recently. It's always great to hear about success stories like this.

Dear John,

Last week, our lawyers in Guatemala secured a conviction against a man who sexually abused his 10-year-old nephew, Ricardo.*

It was IJM Guatemala’s first conviction of the year. But more importantly, it was a huge milestone for Ricardo, who continues to heal from the abuse with support from our social workers and his family.

"Ricardo, he is a fighter," says IJM Guatemala social worker Delmi Ramirez. "He has a strong desire to move forward from here."

Imagine the courage it took for this brave boy to testify in court earlier this month against the man who had robbed him of so much. Ricardo is now studying in school, and he recently told us that he wants to be a lawyer when he grows up.

Thank you for being a part of the fight for children like Ricardo. Together, we are moving forward.

Gratefully,

Sean Litton
Vice President of Field Operations

U.S. officials visit Burma to open dialogue regarding human trafficking

2012-01-22T20:39:00.000-08:00

This past December, U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton visited Burma, also known as Myanmar, in a start to a tentative rebuilding of relations after 50 years of estrangement between the two countries.

Secretary Clinton met with the Burmese Prime Minister and parliament officials in the new capital of Naypyitaw. She also met with the pro-democratic opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who was released from house arrest in November 2010 after nearly 15 years.

In addition, 651 imprisoned political activists were freed and received amnesty from the Burmese government on January 13, 2012. This marks an important step in the right direction for democracy and social change in a one of the world's most reclusive countries.

Earlier this month, Luis CdeBaca, Ambassador-at-Large of the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, also traveled to Burma and met with Burmese leaders to discuss reforms and efforts to combat trafficking and forced labor. Since the of the annual Trafficking in Persons Report was created by the U.S. Department of State, Burma has received the lowest Tier 3 ranking each year. In a press conference from the U.S. Embassy in Burma, Ambassador CdeBaca candidly discussed conversations with Burmese leaders, what improvements are being made to combat modern slavery and what still needs to take place.

Click to read the full Q&A media session with Ambassador CdeBaca. I highly suggest reading it.

Pro-democratic opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton meets with Aung San Suu Kyi

U.S. special ambassadors Derek Mitchell, left, and Lois CdeBaca, right, and Aung San Suu Kyi after talks at her home in Rangoon. Photo: Mizzima

How to Recognize and Report Human Trafficking

2012-01-12T14:11:00.000-08:00

When people ask me questions about modern slavery and human trafficking, often the questions is asked, "How can I tell if someone is a victim?"

There is no exact science. Knowing if someone is a human trafficking victim is similar to finding out if someone is being abused. There are some definite warning signs to look for and questions to ask. You may never find or report a case of human trafficking, but if you know what to look for and how to report it, you can be aware of your surroundings and know what to do if you notice something suspicious.

The U.S. Department of State suggests the following key indicators to look for and questions to ask if you suspect human trafficking. These are good rules to keep in mind whenever you go out. Many victims have been saved when concerned citizens noticed things out of place while at the spa, salon, gas stations, rest stops, farms, restaraunts, etc...

Human Trafficking Indicators

While not an exhaustive list, these are some key red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported:

Living with employer
Poor living conditions
Multiple people in cramped space
Inability to speak to individual alone
Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
Employer is holding identity documents
Signs of physical abuse
Submissive or fearful
Unpaid or paid very little
Under 18 and in prostitution

Questions to Ask

Assuming you have the opportunity to speak with a potential victim privately and without jeopardizing the victim’s safety because the trafficker is watching, here are some sample questions to ask to follow up on the red flags you became alert to:

Can you leave your job if you want to?
Can you come and go as you please?
Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
Has your family been threatened?
Do you live with your employer?
Where do you sleep and eat?
Are you in debt to your employer?
Do you have your passport/identification? Who has it?

Where to Get Help

If you believe you have identified someone still in the trafficking situation, alert law enforcement immediately at the numbers provided below. It may be unsafe to attempt to rescue a trafficking victim. You have no way of knowing how the trafficker may react and retaliate against the victim and you. If, however, you identify a victim who has escaped the trafficking situation, there are a number of organizations to whom the victim could be referred for help with shelter, medical care, legal assistance, and other critical services. In this case, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center described below.

911 Emergency
For urgent situations, notify local law enforcement immediately by calling 911. You may also want to alert the National Human Trafficking Resource Center described below so that they can ensure response by law enforcement officials knowledgeable about human trafficking.

1-888-3737-888 National Human Trafficking Resource Center
Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, a national 24-hour, toll-free, multilingual anti-trafficking hotline. Call 1-888-3737-888 to report a tip; connect with anti-trafficking services in your area; or request training and technical assistance, general information, or specific anti-trafficking resources. The Center is equipped to handle calls from all regions of the United States from a wide range of callers including, but not limited to: potential trafficking victims, community members, law enforcement, medical professionals, legal professionals, service providers, researchers, students, and policymakers.

Source: U.S. Department of State Office to Combat Trafficking in Persons

President Obama Declares January as National Slavery Prevention Month

2012-01-01T12:30:00.000-08:00

On December 30, 2011, President Obama declared January 2012 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. In separate presidential proclamations he also declared January as Mentoring Month and Stalker Awareness month.

Presidential proclamations have long been a way for U.S. Presidents to share their opinions regarding numerous issues and offer good PR. Typically not much comes from these proclamations, but I hope something does come from this one.

I hope it raises awareness. I hope it strengthens those organizations and individuals working against modern slavery. It is heart-wrenching work and I hope they know they are appreciated. I hope it reminds us of the millions of victims of slavery worldwide. I hope it reminds us to pray for them. I hope it stirs up feelings strong enough to take action this month, even just one action, to combat human trafficking. I hope it brings hope and reinforcements in this struggle.

Below is a list of ways you can help this month. Afterwards you can read the full record of President Obama's proclamation. There are over 27 million slaves worldwide and we can help.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP THIS MONTH:

1. Save the National Human Trafficking hotline on your phone. (1-888-3737-888) If you notice anything suspicious, don't hesitate to call. You can learn more about the signs of human trafficking on their website.

2. Get educated. Read a book about modern slavery. If you're part of a book club, suggest a book on the subject. See my suggested reading list.

3. Sign petitions online. Change.org makes it simple to sign petitions or start your own regarding human trafficking. You can help pass new legislation, change company policies and influence politicians. It's easy. Just go to http://humantrafficking.change.org/

4. Link to articles via your personal Twitter, Facebook, eMail and Blogs.

5. Donate money to non-profit organizations combating modern slavery. There are many out there. Here are just a few. Free the Slaves, International Justice Mission, Not For Sale and Love146.

6. Repeat steps 1-5.

Presidential Proclamation -- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2012

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Nearly a century and a half ago, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation -- a document that reaffirmed the noble goals of equality and freedom for all that lie at the heart of what it means to live in America. In the years since, we have tirelessly pursued the realization and protection of these essential principles. Yet, despite our successes, thousands of individuals living in the United States and still more abroad suffer in silence under the intolerable yoke of modern slavery. During National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we stand with all those who are held in compelled service; we recognize the people, organizations, and government entities that are working to combat human trafficking; and we recommit to bringing an end to this inexcusable human rights abuse.

Human trafficking endangers the lives of millions of people around the world, and it is a crime that knows no borders. Trafficking networks operate both domestically and transnationally, and although abuses disproportionally affect women and girls, the victims of this ongoing global tragedy are men, women, and children of all ages. Around the world, we are monitoring the progress of governments in combating trafficking while supporting programs aimed at its eradication. From forced labor and debt bondage to forced commercial sexual exploitation and involuntary domestic servitude, human trafficking leaves no country untouched. With this knowledge, we rededicate ourselves to forging robust international partnerships that strengthen global anti-trafficking efforts, and to confronting traffickers here at home.

My Administration continues to implement our comprehensive strategy to combat human trafficking in America. By coordinating our response across Federal agencies, we are working to protect victims of human trafficking with effective services and support, prosecute traffickers through consistent enforcement, and prevent human rights abuses by furthering public awareness and addressing the root causes of modern slavery. The steadfast defense of human rights is an essential part of our national identity, and as long as individuals suffer the violence of slavery and human trafficking, we must continue the fight.

With the start of each year, we commemorate the anniversaries of the Emancipation Proclamation, which became effective on January 1, 1863, and the 13th Amendment to abolish slavery, which was signed by President Abraham Lincoln and submitted to the States for ratification on February 1, 1865.

These documents stand as testaments to the gains we have made in pursuit of freedom and justice for all, and they remind us of the work that remains to be done. This month, I urge all Americans to educate themselves about all forms of modern slavery and the signs and consequences of human trafficking. Together, and in cooperation with our partners around the world, we can work to end this terrible injustice and protect the rights to life and liberty entrusted to us by our forebears and owed to our children.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2012 as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, culminating in the annual celebration of National Freedom Day on February 1. I call upon the people of the United States to recognize the vital role we can play in ending modern slavery and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirtieth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Google donates $11.5 million to combat slavery

2011-12-14T06:44:00.000-08:00

At the end of each year Google makes a series of donations to organizations and causes. This year they are giving one of their largest gifts ever in the tune of $11.5 million to fight modern-slavery. This is also the largest ever corporate grant given towards anti-trafficking efforts.

"Many people are surprised to learn there are more people trapped in slavery today than any time in history," said Jacquelline Fuller, director of charitable giving and advocacy for Google. "The good news is that there are solutions."

The International Justice Mission was chosen by Google to lead the efforts with this grant. Personally, I think they made a great choice. Earlier this year I had the chance to attend an IJM dinner in Dallas and meet Gary Haugen, President of the International Justice Mission. They are an effective, caring and diligent organization that will use the funds properly. Google did their homework.

The International Justice Mission will partner with the Polaris Project, Slavery Footprint and a handful of other NGO's in a multi-year effort to rescue those enslaved.

Here is how IJM President Gary Haugen said the money will be used.

$3.5 million intervention project to fight forced labor in India.
$4.5 million advocacy campaign in India to educate and protect the vulnerable.
$1.8 million plan to mobilize Americans in behalf of slavery in the United States and around the world.
Remaining $1.7 million to be distributed to several smaller organizations combating slavery.

"It's hard for most Americans to believe that slavery and human trafficking are still massive problems in our world," said Haugen. "Google's support now makes it possible for IJM to join forces with two other leading organizations so we can bring to bear our unique strengths in a united front."

The organizations leading these efforts will meet Wednesday in Washington D.C. to begin the new initiative. Focuses within the U.S. will aim at helping Americans understand where and how modern-slavery occurs and things that everyday Americans can do to prevent it, such as knowing where their clothing and goods come from, understanding signs of human trafficking and reporting to the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-3737-888, which is part of the Polaris Project.

"Whether it's by calling the national human trafficking hotline, sending a letter to their senator, or using online advocacy tools, millions of Americans will be able to use their voices to ensure that ending this problem becomes a top priority," said Bradley Myles, executive director of Polaris Project.

"Having a company like Google recognize the value of our work marks a major turning point for the anti-slavery movement," said Justin Dillon, founder of Slavery Footprint. His organization provides consumers tools to determine whether slavery is found in the supply chain of products and makes efforts to help companies and consumers remove slavery from supply chains.

The Trafficking in Persons Report 2011: Truth, Trends, and Tier Rankings

2011-10-28T09:47:00.000-07:00

Testimony

Luis CdeBaca
Ambassador-at-Large, Office To Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons

Statement Before the Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, and Human Rights of the House Foreign Affairs Committee

Washington, DC

October 27, 2011

Thank you Mr. Chairman, Congressman Payne, and all the members of this committee for the opportunity to testify today. As Congress continues to deliberate this year’s reauthorization of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, hearings such as this one are helpful opportunities to discuss the global fight against human trafficking, and in particular one of our government’s most important tools in moving that fight forward, the annual Trafficking in Persons Report.
The TIP Report assesses government action around the world against trafficking in persons—that is, all of the activities involved in reducing someone to, or holding them in, a condition of compelled service. The core of this Report is the set of Congressionally-established minimum standards set forth in the TVPA. These standards reflect the definitions and framework to combat trafficking in persons outlined in the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, especially Women and Children, known also as the Palermo Protocol.
Following Congress’s mandate, the Department of State ranks governments around the world according to these standards and determines a tier ranking based on a government’s progress in meeting those standards. The Reportcomprises those rankings as well as individual country narratives that further explain both the TIP situation on the ground and governmental efforts according to the criteria laid out by Congress. The methodology is sound and transparent—the facts are applied to the law. Any country, whether in Asia or elsewhere, that wants to test this methodology need only assess their efforts against these minimum standards.
Thorough and honest assessments are the benchmark of the TIP Report. Our narratives take into account information from civil society groups, foreign governments, and our own State Department reporting officers who conduct on-the-ground research throughout the year. The review process involves numerous DOS offices so that the final product represents a Department-wide consensus on how well various governments are handling this problem. Beginning last year, a United States country ranking was also included in the Report, because, as Secretary Clinton has said, we should hold ourselves to the same standards as we hold everyone else. Accurate reporting is essential to the effectiveness of the TIP Report as a diplomatic tool, and indeed governments repeatedly cite it as a factor prompting stronger action in response to modern slavery. Sometimes that happens in public—more often in private. And sometimes a government that criticizes the Report and even perhaps mobilizes others against it quietly takes steps to work with us to begin meeting these standards.
What the Report tells us is that no country is immune to this scourge, and that no government is doing a perfect job combating it. The two regions we are addressing today—East Asia and the Pacific, and South and Central Asia—are hit particularly hard by this crime. I’m pleased to be joined today by Assistant Secretary Robert Blake, who leads the Department’s South and Central Asian Affairs Bureau, and Joseph Yun, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. We always say the fight against modern slavery takes political will, and Bob Blake and EAP Assistant Secretary Kurt Campbell are showing that both individually and within their chains of command. My colleagues will discuss in greater detail the progress in these areas and what governments are doing about it, but I’d like to highlight a few of the problems in trends that were discussed in the 2011 TIP Report and continue to be areas of concern.

Sex trafficking of women and children has not abated and may in fact be increasing in places such as India. Additionally, our findings continue to show that it is local populations, more than Western “sex tourists,” that fuel the demand for sex trafficking, and law enforcement needs to address both sectors for prevention to be truly successful. Widening gender gaps in China and India are fueling the demand for young girls as forced brides or for commercial sexual exploitation.
We know that around the world, forced labor is highly prevalent among migrant populations, and that Asia has the world’s largest share of labor migration. Migrants from both the East Asia and Pacific and South and Central Asia regions are subjected to forced labor in recognized destination countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Persian Gulf. More troubling still, much of this abuse takes place under the guise of legal, contractual and temporary work.
In recent months, concerns over forced labor on fishing fleets have garnered increased attention. Our own research suggests that this is a problem with massive geographic scope, spanning fisheries from Indonesia to New Zealand. And Asian boats are ranging from the Cape of Good Hope to Central America.
The enslavement of domestic workers from South and East Asia is a significant problem, whether Sri Lankans abused in the Gulf or Indonesians exploited in Malaysia. The International Labor Organization’s (ILO) new Convention on Domestic Workers aims at addressing the unique vulnerabilities of this group; we hope that the increased attention on this challenge will lead to governments addressing the needs for justice and services for these victims.
Definitional confusion among governments in the EAP and SCA regions continues to lead to the conflation of people smuggling and human trafficking. This lack of clarity hinders efforts to find and help victims. When it comes to trafficking, we continue to urge destination governments to shift their focus away from the legality of a migrant. As we know, modern slavery need not involve movement or cross borders.
Additionally, we continue to push governments to acknowledge that human trafficking is a crime that can involve sex and labor. For instance, the definition of trafficking in the 2005 South Asia Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Convention is not consistent with how the term is defined and addressed in many other prominent international instruments on trafficking in persons from groups such as the Council of Europe and the Organization of American States, and with the primary international treaty on trafficking, the Palermo Protocol. The Convention continues to focus on the concept of trafficking as the movement of women and children for prostitution and fails to address the trafficking of adults or forced labor. We hope that as the region’s leaders gather for the SAARC Summit in Male in November, they will work toward bringing the region’s conceptual notion of trafficking into conformity with the UN and other regional frameworks.
We continue to advocate for comprehensive victim care, rather than the “Detain and Deport” model that we too often see in these regions. Protection should not mean inappropriate confinement for victims preparatory to deportation. Indeed, they need to be empowered through the opportunity for economic self-sustainability as well as aftercare and alternatives to deportation.
We encourage governments of sending and receiving states to explicitly address modern slavery in labor-related memoranda of understanding (MOUs) and to enforce those provisions in an open and transparent manner.

My staff and I, collaborating closely with regional bureaus, will continue to engage governments in these regions in order to bring these issues to their attention, and we will urge them to take positive action in advance of next year’s TIP Report.

READ FULL TESTIMONY

SUCCESS: Four human trafficking gangs dismantled in Azerbaijan

2011-10-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

If you don't know where Azerbaijan is, don't feel bad, I had to look it up as well. The Republic of Azerbaijan is in the middle of Euro-Asia with Russia to the North, Armenia to the West, Iran to the South and the Caspian Sea to the East.

With it's prime location next to Russia, Armenia and Iran, Azerbaijan is a natural hotspot for human trafficking. Under the U.S. State Department 2011 Trafficking in Persons Report, the Republic of Azerbaijan received a Tier 2 Rating. Tier 1 is the best rating and Tier 3 is the worst. The report cited a lack of prosecution and law enforcement within Azerbaijan pertaining to human trafficking and the high amount of sex trafficking within the country. You can read the full report here.

But a change in the right direction may be on the way. This morning the Deputy Interior Minister Vilayat Eyvazov reported to the Azerbaijan parliament that 4 human trafficking gangs had been neutralized recently and dozens of victims placed in safe havens and assistance centers year-to-date.

I hope the report is accurate and changes are coming within Azerbaijan and the region. As Gary Haugen, founder of the International Justice Mission, said in a meeting I attended earlier this year, "When public justice systems are made to protect the poor-slave owners, traffickers and other criminals can no longer act with impunity- millions of vulnerable children, women and men will never be abused."

The key to further success will be prosecution of the gangs and offenders. Preventative measures and after-care treatment is absolutely essential to ending modern slavery, but without justice systems working fairly and prosecutions taking place, it will never end.

Dozens of sex trafficking victims saved

2011-10-18T08:18:00.000-07:00

DHS Open Source EnterpriseDaily Human Trafficking and Smuggling Report18 October 2011

Russian Sex-Trafficking Suspects Pack Orlando Courtroom [Florida]: Eleven members of a suspected Russian sex-trafficking ring accused of operating in Central Florida will pack into an Orlando courtroom today.… The suspected ringleader, Roman Caraiman, is the only one of the 12 named in the 27-count indictment who will not be at trial — because he hasn't been arrested. Earlier this year, Caraiman told the Orlando Sentinel he fled the United States and was in Europe. He left behind his baby and ex-wife, Tatiana Belinschi, who will be one of the 11 defendants in the courtroom today. … Caraiman is accused of bringing people from Russia, and seeking women from other countries to work in the sex trade. Prosecutors say he used the Internet to recruit non-U.S. citizens to work here. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 18 October 2011; Source: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/crime/os-russian-sex-trafficking-ring-20111018,0,1958065.story]

Malaysian Police Rescue 21 Ugandan 'Sex Slaves' [Malaysia]: Malaysian police said Tuesday they have busted a sex slave ring and rescued 21 Ugandan women who were forced into prostitution after being lured to Malaysia with promises of jobs as maids. Criminal investigation chief Bakri Zinin said in a statement that police found the women, aged between 19 and 42, holed up in four apartment units in central Selangor state during a raid on Friday. He said three Ugandans - two women believed to be pimps and a man suspected of being a customer - were detained. Initial investigations showed the 21 women were promised jobs as maids in homes and hotels with a salary of $1,000 a month, but instead forced to become "sex slaves" to pay off travel fees and other costs totaling $7,000, he said. The women were brought into the country via China, and were threatened verbally and physically to stop them from running away, the statement added. A police official said Tuesday that investigations were focused on how long the ring had been in operation and who the masterminds were. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 18 October 2011; Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/17/3986706/malaysian-police-rescue-21-ugandan.html]

Two Teenage Sex Slaves Rescued In India With Help From Christian Organization: Two teenage girls were rescued from a brothel in India after a Christian organization alerted police that the girls had been forced into sex slavery.… The India Rescue Mission (IRM) told local police that two girls named Roopa, 16, and Gowri, 17, were trapped in a prostitution ring in the city of Prune…. After police were told of the girls' presence, they raided the brothel and arrested its owner. In the statement given by Gowri after the rescue operation, she said that she was tricked into coming to India from Bangladesh by being promised a job, which eventually led to her being forced into sex slavery. "She was made to attend customers by force and if she denied them then she would be beaten. She was kept in captivity for four months," said James Varghese, the founder of the IRM. … The two girls' plight is an example of the grave problem of child prostitution facing India. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 17 October 2011; Source: http://global.christianpost.com/news/two-teenage-sex-slaves-rescued-in-india-with-help-from-christian-organization-58306/]

2 Human Trafficking Victims Rescued [Philippines]: The Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO) has rescued two victims of human trafficking in the city, a top police official said Monday. Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo, ZCPO director, said the victims were rescued around 4:25 p.m. Sunday at a budget hotel along Gov. Alvarez Avenue, Zamboanga City. De Ocampo withheld the victims' identities but said they are all women and one of them is a 25-year-old resident of Cabanatuan City while the other is a 24-year-old from Valenzuela, Metro Manila. The alleged recruiter, whose real identity is not also known, was not around when the WCPC personnel raided the budget hotel and rescued the two victims, de Ocampo added. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 17 October 2011; Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2011/10/17/2-human-trafficking-victims-rescued-185542]

Cabinet Probes Child Trafficking Syndicate [Namibia]: Cabinet has started probing an alleged child-trafficking syndicate that involves several European countries and some self-styled social welfare organizations in Namibia. Secretary to Cabinet, Frans Kapofi, confirmed this upon inquiry on Friday. Kapofi said the executive had received a detailed report from the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, whose inspectors uncovered the syndicate. New Era understands that several juvenile offenders are quietly flown in from Europe and immediately dispatched to farms in the Otjozondjupa and Omaheke regions as part of their rehabilitation. They are under the custodian of several local welfare organizations, who pocket hefty fees from European governments as payment for hosting the young offenders. The shocking revelations were unearthed in February this year when labor inspectors undertook a series of ad hoc visits to farms in the regions. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 17 October 2011; Source: http://www.newera.com.na/article.php?articleid=41194&title=Inferno%20destroys%20shack]

Nigerian baby factory raided - daily human trafficking report

2011-10-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

DHS Open Source Enterprise Daily Human Trafficking and Smuggling Report 17 October 2011

Nigerian Baby Factory Raided: Police in southern Nigeria have raided a purported orphanage where they found 17 pregnant girls, arresting the owner on suspicion of planning to sell their babies, a spokesperson said on Saturday. The owner and a young man "suspected of having been hired to impregnate the girls" were arrested, police spokesperson Emeka Chukwuemeka told AFP. "We are suspecting that young girls are deliberately encouraged to become pregnant so once they give birth to the child, the child will be sold to interested persons, maybe childless couples," he said. Police acted on a report of "suspicious activity" at the institution in Ihiala, in the southern state of Anambra, that claimed to be an orphanage…. It was not the first time Nigerian authorities have dismantled a so-called baby factory. In May, police in the state of Abia, also in the south, freed 32 pregnant girls thought to be forced bear children destined for sale. Some of the girls said they were promised between $150 to $180, while the children were sold for between 300,000 and a million nairas. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 16 October 2011; Source:http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Nigerian-baby-factory-raided-20111015]

Customs Agency's Rapid Expansion Parallels Rise In Corruption [California]: When Luis Alarid was a child, his mother would seat him in the car while she smuggled people and drugs across the U.S.-Mexico border. She was the sweet-talking commuter, he was her cute boy, and the mother-son ploy regularly kept customs inspectors from peeking inside the trunk. Twenty-five years later, Alarid was back at the border in San Diego, seeking a job as a customs inspector. … Alarid had served in the Marines and Army, which was a factor in his favor. But there was cause for concern: His finances were in shambles, including $30,000 in credit card debt. His mother, father and other relatives had been convicted of or indicted on charges of smuggling. After the background check and an interview, Alarid was cleared for a border posting. Within months, he turned his government job into a lucrative criminal enterprise. In cahoots with a gang that included his uncle and, allegedly, his mother, Alarid let cars into California filled with drugs and illegal immigrants. "I was inside now, going around understanding how things work," Alarid said in a telephone interview from federal prison in Kentucky, where he is serving a seven-year sentence for corruption. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 17 October 2011; Source: http://www.sacbee.com/2011/10/17/3984947/customsagencys-rapid-expansion.html]

Nigerian Gets 11yrs For Human Trafficking [Georgia]: A Nigerian woman was sentenced on Thursday to more than 11 years in prison for enslaving two young women from her country to work as servants and nannies at her home, forcing them to cut her lawn by hand and beating them ruthlessly when they crossed her. Bidemi Bello pleaded with the judge for mercy, but prosecutors said Bello's remorse didn't erase the years of suffering she inflicted on her victims. US District Judge Bill Duffey agreed, sentencing Bello to 140 months in prison and ordering that she be deported to Nigeria after she served her time. Bello was convicted during a weeklong trial in June of luring the two women to her suburban Atlanta home with promises of sending them to school, then dashing their hopes by forcing them to work demeaning chores and beating them with wooden spoons, shoes and cords when they didn't heed her orders quickly. [HSEC- 3.10; Date: 14 October 2011; Source: http://www.news24.com/Africa/News/Nigerian-gets-11yrs-for-humantrafficking-20111013]

Three Human Smugglers Sentenced To Prison [Texas]: Three Houstonians have been sentenced to prison for running a human smuggling operation and forcing their victims to distribute pirated CDs and DVDs to pay off their debt. Estela Aguilar-Lopez, 59, Blanca Estela Lopez-Aguilar, 37, Francisco Ivan RodriguezGarcia, 35, were sentenced Thursday to 46, 50 and 57 months in federal prison. During the investigation, investigators determined that Aguilar-Lopez, Lopez-Aguilar and Rodriguez-Garcia, among others, were recruiting illegal aliens from Mexico to the United States. The illegal immigrants would then have to pay off their debt by selling pirated CDs and DVDs in apartment complexes. … The victims were forced to live with the traffickers and if they did not pay their debts, they were assaulted, threatened with violence and intimidated via threatening phone calls made to family members in Mexico. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 14 October 2011; Source: http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8391989]

Bulgarian Jailed In UK After Being Found Guilty Of Sex Trafficking: A Bulgarian man has been jailed for six years by a British court after being arrested for forcing a woman into prostitution, the Tottenham and Wood Green Journal reported. According to the report, Mehmed Mahmudov met the woman at a wedding in Bulgaria two years previously and persuaded her to move to London. There, she was held captive and forced into prostitution. She managed to escape after four weeks and pleaded for help, the report said, in the only English she knew, "help, police, please." This led to the unmasking of an international trafficking gang, the report said. Mahmudov, described in the report as a grandfather, aged 33, was jailed for six years for three counts of sex trafficking and three years for three counts of controlling prostitution for gain. [HSEC- 3.10; Date: 16 October 2011; Source:http://www.sofiaecho.com/2011/10/16/1178517_bulgarian-jailed-inuk-after-being-found-guilty-of-sex-trafficking]

Police Arrest 32 In 'Human Trafficking' Raid [Sweden]: Police now suspect that many of the arrested workers could have been victims of human trafficking. … Police officers raided the factory just as many were arriving for work at 8am on Thursday. The premises belongs to Eat Food Factory Europa AB, one of Scandinavia's largest producers of chilled ready-meals and a supplier to, among others, Coop, Lidl, SJ, SAS and Mat på jobbet. According to Aftonbladet the majority of those arrested in the raid come from Uzbekistan or other former Soviet republics. When the police arrived at the factory in Jordbro south of Stockholm there were 54 people working in the factory, 32 were detained and taken from the premises. ... The raid isn't the first time the company has been hit with suspicions of sub-standard labor practices. [HSEC-3.10; Date: 14 October 2011; Source: http://www.thelocal.se/36742/20111014/#]

Example of one company making a difference to prevent human trafficking

2011-09-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Montara Circle Update - Headwaters Natural Products from Not For Sale Campaign on Vimeo.

The concept for Headwaters Natural Products was sparked in February 2011 at Not For Sale’s Montara Circle, a think tank of business, political and cultural leaders that stimulate social innovation. Participants were challenged to come up with a plan that would positively impact a 55-square mile region of the Peruvian Amazon that has been a target of human trafficking and forced labor. The idea? Form a beverage company that would use signature ingredients from the area, creating several avenues of economic benefit.

By August 2011, Headwaters Natural Products was the result, formed as a separate for-profit business. That separation enables NFS and Headwaters to partner in a common cause while being free to focus on the activities each does best.

A viable business with social mission at its heart

While Headwaters runs like any other for-profit business, our social mission is deeply woven into our business model in three ways:

We operate under Not For Sale’s Business Code of Conduct. It requires that sourcing, production and marketing all meet NFS protocols that ensure there is no forced labor involved.
Part of our revenue stream will go directly back to NFS to support their work.
Our first source for ingredients will always start with NFS certified supply chains. Where they don’t exist yet, we hope to help create demand for them.

From beginning to end, we’re committed to balancing the larger universe of human concerns with the demands of creating a profitable business.

You can learn more about Headwaters Natural Products at their website and follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

U.S. Ambassador-at-Large Luis CdeBaca testifies about human trafficking before Senate

2011-09-27T13:40:00.000-07:00

On September 14, 2011, Luis CdeBaca, Ambassador-at-Large of the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (GTIP), testifies before the Senate Committee on the Judiciary.

It's a short 6 minute video that provides insight into the U.S. government efforts to combat modern slavery, and how money is appropriated. It's interesting to learn how many NGO's and foreign governments rely on GTIP funding and support to combat human trafficking. I did not realize the overwhelming requests GTIP receives for assistance.

Here are some quotes from the video. Click to read the whole transcript.

"In the last two years, the Office received 998 applications requesting a total of $547 million."

"Our final foreign assistance appropriation for this fiscal year was $16.2 million. While we put every penny of that sum to good use, that total stands in stark contrast to a crime exploiting as many as 27 million victims worldwide."

"The sad reality is that without the modest funding G/TIP is able to provide, many of the projects we support would have to close their doors. That would mean more than just the end of a victim identification initiative or the shuttering of a shelter for survivors. In many instances, it would mean the end of all such services in that country. That must not be the mark of our foreign policy."

"But fighting slavery is more than good foreign policy. It’s part of who we are as a nation. We cannot walk away from that responsibility here at home or in our conduct around the world."

There was also a great interview on NPR "Talk of the Nation" with Ambassador-at-Large Luis CdeBaca that I suggest listening to and I also suggest taking a look at the 2011 TIP (Trafficking in Persons) report.

Not For Sale: End Human Trafficking and Slavery

2011-09-26T08:40:00.000-07:00

This is a creative and wonderfully made video for an all to common and sad story.

Post Earthquake Child Trafficking in Haiti

2011-09-25T09:37:00.000-07:00

News clip on child trafficking in Haiti since the earthquake.

The Facts of Modern Slavery

2011-09-18T06:20:00.000-07:00

What are the real facts regarding slavery in our world today? How many slaves are there? How many are in the United States? How much is the slave trade worth today? Who is being trafficked?

These are questions one needs to understand in order to fully comprehend the impact of slavery in the world.

First off, let's define slavery. The following is the definition found on CNN's Freedom Project.

“Slavery occurs when one person completely controls another person, using violence or the threat of violence to maintain that control, exploits them economically, pays them nothing and they cannot walk away.”

This includes, but is not limited to...

Debt Bondage
Bonded Labor
Attached Labor
Restavec
Forced Labor
Forced Prostitution
Indentured Servitude

The following is a list of facts gathered from the U.S. State Department, United Nations, university studies and NGO's Free the Slaves and the International Labour Organization. You can see a visual of these facts in the slideshow below.
THE FACTS

According to the United Nations, modern slavery is estimated to generate over $32 billion dollars per year. It comprises the 3rd largest illegal activity behind drug and arms trafficking. To give you an idea of how much money that is, that's more than the combined annual profits of Google and Nike.
Using statistical analysis similar to that used to number endangered species, the International Labor Organization and Free the Slaves estimate that there are 10-30 million slaves worldwide today.
In a 2005 report, the U.S. State Department estimated that between 14,500 - 17,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year.
According to the U.S. State Department, between 600,000 - 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. 70% of these are female and 50% are children.
In 1809, the adjusted price of a slave for our day would be $40,000. Today the average price of a slave is just $90. This creates an economic factor not seen in the African slave trade.
In the United States, a runaway will be contacted by a trafficker within 48 hours of running away.
A 2010 study of Chicago area pimps found that 48% of pimps in the Chicago area ran away as a child to avoid abuse. 88% of the pimps were abused as children and 76% were sexually assaulted as children.

Sources:

Remembering 9/11

2011-09-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

On September 11, 2001, I was young 19 year-old living in Dallas, TX. In 2 months I would be leaving to serve a church mission. At the time I was working for a pool cleaning company saving up money to go on this mission. I was driving my work truck in Plano, TX when the news started coming over the radio. As I pulled up to a stop light, I felt like someone had punched me in the gut as the wind was knocked out of me. I looked out my side windows as the other drivers did the same. We had a moment of understanding as we all stared back at each other.

I pulled my vehicle over to the side of the road and I prayed. There was not much else I could do other than pour my heart out to God. I prayed for those in harm's way. I prayed for those who had died and for their families. I prayed for hope. I prayed for my family. I prayed for our country. Then, I went back to work.

I went through the day as if in a trance. Some of the customers invited me into their home to watch the news for a short while when I came to clean their pool. We talked as if we were close friends. We truly became united as a people that day. Trivial differences and insecurities didn't matter.

This blog is about freedom and justice. Writing this blog and reflecting on 9/11 is humbling. I am thankful to live in the United States of America. Compared to much of the world we enjoy so much freedom, safety and justice. We can live and enjoy the pursuit of happiness. We are blessed. This day I will say another prayer. It will be similar to that prayer I offered 10 years ago, except I will give more thanks. This is a truly great nation and there is much to be thankful for. May we find peace and humility this day. May we never forget the tragedy of 9/11, those who passed, and how we were united. May the Lord comfort those that stand in need of comfort and may his love replace hate. This is my prayer.

Stories of the great boat lift on 9/11. The largest sea evacuation in history with over 500,000 rescued by boat.

Two Child Soldiers Released in Burma

2011-09-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

Burmese military officials free two young men to their families following international intervention.

The Burmese military, notorious for recruiting under-aged fighters, has released two child soldiers to their families following pressure from a global labor rights watchdog.

RFA

Phyo Sithu with his mother following his release from prison, Sept. 2, 2011.

Zaw Wai Lin, 16, and Nay Ye Lin, 15, who were conscripted into different military units, were both allowed to leave their barracks on Friday after each had spent nearly a year in forced service.

Both children had been the subject of RFA coverage after their parents reported the boys missing and local rights group Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP) filed cases on their behalf with the International Labor Organization (ILO).

Zaw Wai Lin, of Rangoon division’s Hlaing Tharyar township, told RFA that he was released from the Mandalay 111 Directorate of Signal in front of local authorities and his parents.

"A group of army officers, one local authority, and my parents were present when they released me. They didn’t say anything when I was set free,” he said.

“I will be going back to school next year. For now, I will help my mom with farming."

Zaw Wai Lin said he was forced to join the army in September last year at the age of 15... (READ FULL STORY)

SOURCES: http://www.rfa.org/english/news/burma/soldiers-09092011174806.html

Attorney General Biden Renews Call for Backpage.com to Remove Adult Service Ads

2011-09-06T07:32:00.000-07:00

NEWS RELEASE: Biden Renews Call on Web Site to Remove Adult Services Ads

Wilmington – Deleware Attorney General Beau Biden today renewed his call on Backpage.com, an online advertising Web site, to eliminate its section of adult-themed classified ads that have been found to solicit child prostitution. In a letter (see attached) sent jointly with 45 other Attorneys General, Biden also called on the site to verify and document specific steps it is taking to prevent illegal activity on its site.

“Backpage.com is simply not doing the right thing by continuing to profit from ads that exploit women and children,” Biden said. “The only way for them to stop this illegal activity and protect kids is to remove its adult services ads and take aggressive action to ensure that these posts don’t appear elsewhere on its site.”

In September, 2010, Biden and 20 Attorneys General wrote Backpage.com requesting that its adult services section be closed. Backpage.com claims it has strict policies to prevent illegal postings. However, Attorneys General have found hundreds of ads on Backpage.com’s regional sites that are clearly for illegal services. Moreover, they point to more than 50 cases in 22 states over three years that involve the trafficking or attempted trafficking of children through Backpage.com.

Attorney General Biden was among Attorneys General who successfully persuaded the online advertising site Craigslist.org to remove its adult classifieds because the postings were being used to solicit child prostitution and other forms of human trafficking. In 2008, Attorneys General in reached an agreement with Craigslist to crack down on illegal listings in an effort to reduce crimes like human trafficking. Craigslist ultimately removed its “erotic services” section altogether in May, 2009.

Backpage.com is owned by Village Voice Media, LLC, which owns 13 weekly newspapers in the United States and is the top provider of “adult services” advertisements. Industry analysts estimate that Village Voice generates more than $22 million in annual revenue from these ads.

In today’s letter the Attorneys General ask the company to substantiate the claim that it enforces policies to prevent illegal activity. Specifically, the attorneys general ask Backpage.com to provide those policies and to describe in detail its understanding of what constitutes “illegal activity” and whether advertisements for prostitution fall into that category. The Attorneys General also seek how many adult services advertisements have been submitted to the site over the past year, how many were individually screened, how many were rejected prior to publication and how many were removed after being discovered to be for illegal services.

Sources: http://attorneygeneral.delaware.gov/media/releases/2011/ads%208-31.pdf

Join the National Call-in Day to Pass the TVPRA on Sep 8!

2011-08-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

I received the following invitation from the International Justice Mission (IJM) last week and I extend the same invitation to everyone. This is something simple you can do to help pass the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization act. Just watch the video below to see how easy it is to call in. A few minutes of your time will go a long way to help pass vital anti-trafficking legislation. You can find your legislators phone number at http://www.ijm.org/national-call-in-day.

From IJM:
Abolitionists around the country are advocating for the passage of theTrafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act – bi-partisan legislation to sustain life-saving programs that fight human trafficking at home and abroad.

This legislation must be reauthorized every few years, and is set to expire this year on September 30. On September 8, join IJM and abolitionists around the country for the National Call-In Day to Pass the TVPRA!

There are many issues competing for your Senators' attention right now, so they need to hear from constituents who care about ending modern-day slavery to make the TVPRA a priority. Last year, your calls in support of the Child Protection Compact Act helped generate 13 new co-sponsors for that bill in the House and Senate. Let's work together to generate 3,000 calls – from all 50 states.

CLICK HERE TO ADD YOUR PLEDGE TO CALL.

IJM National Call-In Day: September 8, 2011 from International Justice Mission on Vimeo.

In addition to calling your Senators, you can send them an email using this form letter created by IJM. You can edit the letter, add your address and the email will automatically be sent to your Senators. It's another simple way to have your voice heard. SEND YOUR EMAIL.

SNEAK PEEK: Upcoming Feature Film on Human Trafficking

2011-08-14T12:02:00.000-07:00

A new feature film currently in post-production called Trade Of Innocents. The film stars Dermot Mulroney and Academy Award winner Mira Sorvino. The back drop for the story of Trade of Innocents is human trafficking. The film is presently slated for a national wide theatrical release in early 2012, and will roll out internationally throughout 2012.

The hope of the movie is to take an important message to the world in the form of a well-told story in a feature film, and the goal is to do a small part to end slavery in our lifetime.

How do you find one missing girl?

2011-08-10T11:42:00.000-07:00

Mumbai is a city of 18 million people. How do you find one missing girl? Suhana was rescued not one, but twice. You can help the International Justice Mission rescue many more. Please watch this 12 minute video and decide what you can do.

Click here to donate.

You can also text "FREEDOM" to 20222 to donate $10 using your mobile phone.

Global Forum on Human Trafficking October 21-22

2011-07-24T18:29:00.000-07:00

I had the chance to meet with Nathan Beeghley, Social Media Manager of Not For Sale, a couple of weeks ago. We had a nice breakfast in San Francisco and talked about some of the innovative things NFS is doing to combat slavery. For those who have not been to the Not For Sale website recently (www.notforsalecampaign.org), I say check it outright now, or right after finishing this blogpost. The site has evolved quite a bit over the last year and there are many new campaigns you can get involved with, such as the Free2Work, Free2Play, Free2Walk, NFS Academy and more.

We also spoke at length about the October 21-22 Global Forum on Human Trafficking taking place in Silicon Valley. This is where the movement to end slavery gets technical. There will be over 30 guest speakers, including co-founder of Twitter Jack Dorsey, and over 1,600 attendees. Today's leading abolitionists. innovators and activists will convene to discuss strategies and provide training on ways we can all participate to combat slavery. Like my Grandpa used to say, "Many hands makes light work."We all have a part we can play in ending modern slavery, the more we learn and the more who get involved, the quicker and easier it will become to end slavery.

Pre-registration is currently reduced to $129 right now. Plus, you can save an additional 10% off your registration when you use the code: ABOLITIONISTJB

Global Forum 2011 Promo from Hepburn Creative on Vimeo.

Looking for Guest Writers

2011-07-10T07:41:00.000-07:00

I am looking for guest writers to help add beneficial content to AbolitionistJB and help spread awareness, news and solutions to modern slavery.

There is no pay for articles as I don't make any money off of this blog. But if you are interested in sharing stories, opinions and ideas surrounding modern slavery, my Blog, Facebook and Twitter accounts are open to you as a medium.

If you are interested in making a little bit of money, and I mean a little bit, in addition to spreading awareness, then you can register as an Examiner on examiner.com in your local area and write articles about modern slavery. The nice thing about examiner.com is you can repost articles you have written on other sites and blogs. I became an examiner last year and it has been a great medium for me to reach more people and raise awareness.

If you are interested in writing on AbolitionistJB, follow these steps.

1. Email me an article you would like posted to abolitionistjb @ gmail.com with the headline: WRITE FOR ABOLITIONISTJB

2. Attach any pictures you would like added to the article.

3. Include the html for any embedded videos you would like.

4. I reserve the right to edit the articles for grammar, language, etc... Please keep the content clean and free from swearing and anything vulgar. After the article is posted I will also tweet and Facebook post about the article to help reach more people.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank You,
John Burger
AbolitionistJB

2011-07-10T07:34:00.000-07:00

Inside a human trafficking crisis center

Victims of trafficking are often isolated: They're told that contact with police with trigger their own arrest and they're afraid of beatings or reprisals by the traffickers themselves.

The Polaris Project's National Human Trafficking Resource Center, a 24-hour government-funded national trafficking hotline, has become a lifeline for some.

• National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline: 1-888-3737-888
• Hotlines all over the world

In the video, actress Mira Sorvino, in her role as a Goodwill Ambassador for the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime, helps build awareness of the human trafficking issue and takes CNN on a behind-the-scenes tour of the crisis center.

500 Slaves Freed from Brick Kilns in India

2011-06-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

More than 500 slaves rescued from brick kilns

From CNN's Mallika Kapur

Chennai, India - Beaten with rods, belts and subjected to other forms of abuse, the bonded laborers toiled away in a tiny brick kiln in southern India day after day with little hope of freedom and escape.

But on a tip, officials from the government of Tamil Nadu state in India raided the kiln. What they found shocked them: More than 500 people living and working under a brutal and oppressive system.

"We worked all the time. We would only stop to eat," says 20-year-old Dambru Jani, who was rescued in the raid. "If we tried to rest, they'd abuse us and force us to work again."

Saju Mathew is the national director for the International Justice Mission, the human rights group that assisted the government with the raid. He said that even though India banned bonded labor in 1976, the practice of paying back a loan or advance with work, not money, still exists...(Read More at http://thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com/2011/06/29/more-than-500-slaves-rescued-from-brick-kilns/)

Secretary Clinton on Slavery, 500 Slaves Freed by IJM, and more...

2011-06-30T11:49:00.000-07:00

Sec. Clinton on slavery: "Unforgettable and unforgivable" – CNN Press Room

cnnpressroom.blogs.cnn.com - In a CNN Freedom Project exclusive, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sat down with CNNâ€™s Jim Clancy (@ClancyCNN) to discuss the recently released 2011 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report. ...

More than 500 slaves rescued from brick kilns – The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com - From CNN's Mallika Kapur Chennai, India - Beaten with rods, belts and subjected to other forms of abuse, the bonded laborers toiled away in a tiny brick kiln in southern India day after day with li...

Attorney Generals Unite Against Human Trafficking

2011-06-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

Attorneys General unite to fight human trafficking

atg.wa.gov - CHICAGO — Attorney General Rob McKenna will announce his 2011-2012 presidential initiative to combat human trafficking nationwide at a June 23 launch event in Chicago following his installation as president of the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG)....

International Justice Mission: Email - Breaking News: Bar Offering Minors for Sex Permanently Closed

web.ijm.org - Location: Manila, the PhilippinesResult: 14 Rescued, Abuse Stopped Permanently at Major Bar...

Invitation to Art/Film Benefit Event, July 24-26, San Francisco

YOU ARE INVITED THE ISIS LIBERATION PROJECT. This is an Art and Film Exhibit benefiting California Against Slavery June 24, 25, & 26. Short films will be shown at 7PM every evening followed by a reception and live music...

10 Steps People Can Take to Combat Human Trafficking

2011-06-23T10:07:00.000-07:00

Community vigilance: 10 steps people can take to help combat human trafficking – The CNN Freedom Project: Ending Modern-Day Slavery

thecnnfreedomproject.blogs.cnn.com - By Siddharth Kara, Special to CNN Editorâ€™s Note: Trafficking expert Siddharth Kara is a Harvard fellow and author of the award-winning book, "Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slaver...

Ending Slavery with Books

2011-05-25T13:15:00.000-07:00

To really combat human slavery, we need to first understand where it occurs and why it occurs. Knowledge is the first step and sharing that knowledge is the second step. Here are some simple things you can do to better understand modern slavery and help fight it with books.

STEP 1: Check Your Local Library Selection
One of the first things I noticed as I started researching modern slavery was the lack of books at my local library. Our city library, which is average size, only had 3 adult non-fiction books, 1 photo book and 1 adolescent book regarding human trafficking and modern slavery. It was the same story (pun intended) with neighboring cities.

STEP 2: Make a list of Books

Create a list of books you would like to see at your local library. I've put together a suggested reading list at the bottom of this post. Feel free to use this as a reference to build your own list.

STEP 3: Request Books

Almost all libraries allow their patrons to submit book requests for the library to purchase. Here's an example from my local library. (If you live in Orem, UT feel free to help me out by requesting books as well.) Typically you'll need to enter your library card #, information for the book(s), and this is key, an explanation of why you think the library should buy these books.

STEP 4: Get Your Friends & Family Involved

Now that you've submitted book requests, ask your family and friends to do the same. If libraries get bombarded with different requests from their patrons, they will be sure to order the books.

STEP 5: Donate Books

If all else fails, or if it's just easier for you time-wise, you can always purchase books and donate them to your library. No library will turn down donated books if they are new or in good working condition.

STEP 6: Book Clubs

Book clubs are a great way to introduce the issue of modern slavery to your friends. If you're in a book club, suggest one of the readings below. If you're not, you can always start one.

Most libraries will have groups of books available specifically for book club checkouts. When you suggest books, you can also suggest 1 or 2 that you think would be valuable for libraries to add to their book club lists. If I had to choose two book club books, they would be "The Road of Lost Innocence," by Somaly Mam and "Ending Slavery," by Kevin Bales.

THE RESULT:

1. You've just created awareness of modern slavery for the librarians, your friends and your family.

2. You've helped provide books for you, your neighbors, students and book clubs to learn more about the issues and get educated.

3. You've helped buy books, which in turn helps fund authors, which in turn helps raise money for many anti-slavery charities.

SUGGESTED BOOK LIST:

The Road of Lost Innocence by Somaly Mam

Ending Slavery: How We Free Today's Slaves by Kevin Bales

Free the Children by Craig Kielburger (An amazing story about how a 12-year old took on the fight against slavery)

Slave Hunter by Aaron Cohen and Christine Buckley

Not For Sale by David B. Bastone

Modern Slavery: The Secret World of 27 Million People by Zoe Trodd, Kevin Bales, Alex Kent Williamson

The Slave Next Door: Human Trafficking and Slavery in America Today by Kevin Bales

Disposable People by Kevin Bales

Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery by Siddharth Kara

Enslaved: True Stories of Modern Day Slavery by Sage Jesse, Liora Kasten and Gloria Steinem

War Child by Emmanual Jal

A Crime So Monstrous: Face-to-Face With Modern-Day Slavery by E. Benjamin Skinner

This special report by CNN brings the problem close to home. There are an estimated 300,000+ slaves in the United States today.

2011-05-25T13:14:00.000-07:00

This special report by CNN brings the problem close to home. There are an estimated 300,000+ slaves in the United States today. Government agencies estimate over 14,000 individuals are trafficked into the United Sates each year.

A man on the CNN forum argued that 300,000 was such a small percentage of the United States population and we were doing pretty good. Maybe, but that's still 300,000 people and most of them are minors. That's equivalent to...

The total stadium attendance for 10 MLB baseball games.
The number of people attending Disneyland over 9 days.
The population of New Orleans, LA.
The total number of children attending 500 elementary schools in the USA.

You can read more about this special report at CNN.com.

A Night For Freedom with the International Justice Mission

2011-05-08T07:35:00.000-07:00

Last week I attended a benefit dinner for the International Justice Mission (IJM) at the Fairmont in downtown Dallas, TX. Knowing of the wonderful work IJM does to not only free people from slavery, but to also ensure justice is met against the perpetrators, I jumped at the chance to attend and learn more about IJM first-hand.

I thought it would be a cozy dinner of say 100 - 200 people in a smaller ballroom at the Fairmont. Instead, the place was jam packed with nearly 800 in attendance in the large Regency Ballroom. Wow! I was blown away by the turnout and the incredible amount of support shown in both service and monetary means for this great cause.

(Above: Guests pouring into the foyer before the benefit dinner)

In the foyer, guests shared in pre-dinner conversation as they admired touching displays of families and children freed from slavery by IJM. Within fifteen minutes of my arrival the foyer became standing room only as hundreds more guests arrived.

This is only the second year IJM has done a benefit dinner in Dallas. The first year they expected a small number, much as I did for this year's event, but instead received hundreds in response with a record-breaking turnout. This year was no different. The more I thought about this outpouring of support, the less surprised I became, given the generous hospitality and strong faith-base of the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. One of the displays in the foyer highlighted this generosity as it told the story of the local 121 Community Church, and their amazing efforts to raise $133,000 for IJM through their Run 4 Justice event.

(Above: Photographs on display of families and children freed from slavery)

(Above: One local church raised $133,000 for IJM with their "Run 4 Justice" race event. You can learn more about it at www.run4justice.com)

The evening dinner opened with a wonderful invocation by Van Beckwith, a local attorney and the benefit chairperson. I came to realize through conversations with other guests that Van Beckwith was a driving force behind the success of the dinner and local support for IJM. Nearly everyone I spoke with somehow knew him or knew of him.

The evening continued with uplifting stories of hope, freedom and love shared by the IJM National Director of Development, Melissa Russel, the India Field Office Director and IJM President, Gary Haugen.

I can't share these stories with you in detail as IJM asked that no electronic devices, videos or pictures be used to capture or record these stories. Doing so could jeopardize the very lives of those freed from slavery, IJM investigators and members of IJM staff in foreign field offices.

But I did jot down a few notes of things that particularly moved and inspired me from the evenings events.

The Success of Cebu & Project Lantern

IJM received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates foundation, titled Project Lantern. The goal of the project was to drop the level of child sex trafficking by 20% in Cebu, the second largest city in the Philippines.

Over the course of four years, between 2006 to 2010, IJM worked with local authorities to rescue more than 220 individuals from forced sex work and arrested nearly 90 suspects. IJM worked tirelessly to help ensure the police and courts provided fair treatment to victims and maintained laws in convicting sex traffickers.

As a result of their work, independent researchers found the level of sex trafficking in children had dropped 79% in metro Cebu. 79%! (read the full report) That's a significant impact on a very large metro area. With laws being upheld and traffickers being convicted, many perpetrators of child sex trafficking just quite the business.

"When public justice systems are made to protect the poor- and slave owners, traffickers and other criminals can no longer act with impunity- millions of vulnerable children, women and men will never be abused." (IJM pamphlet on Project Lantern)

Project lantern proves that the IJM model of ensuring justice and upholding laws is not only a tool for initial response, but provides prevention against future slavery.

We Just Don't Go Away

IJM President, Gary Haugen shared two stories of freedom. In one story a family and dozens of others were freed from slavery on a rice mill in India. Working 18 hour days, carrying 100 lbs. bags of rice, being fed just enough food to survive, these families were held under the false pretense of debt bondage. Through the work of IJM, the families were freed.

But that is not the end of the story. The true labor of love came in the work to convict the rice mill owner and prevent future slavery in this area. Even with an abundance of incriminating evidence and testimony, the justice system failed to convict the mill owner because of his wealth, bribes, and political influence. He was set free, only to fill his mill with more slaves.

But IJM didn't quite, and unfortunately for the mill owner "we just don't go away...ever," said Gary Haugen.

It took six years of effort, thousands of hours of just filling out paperwork and over 50 trips to a court house four hours away, but IJM's work paid off.

Earlier this year the mill owner and his chief operator were convicted of "habitual use of slaves," which carried with it a harsh sentence putting them away for a long, long time. There had not been a conviction for this crime in India since the late 1800's.

Nothing like 50 Trips to the DMV

What did it really take to get this conviction? Gary Haugen put the work of IJM into perspective when he compared it to going to the DMV on the busiest day possible.

"Now I don't know what the DMV is like in Dallas. I'm sure it's crisp and efficient and a lovely place to be. Now go ahead and picture 50 visits to the DMV. Then picture that while you live in Dallas, you have to actually make your 50 visits to the DMV in Houston."

Houston is a little over a 4 hour drive from Dallas. Now picture that about half of those visits are a complete waste of time and that you spent 6,100 hours just waiting at the DMV.

This is what happened in the case above. It was a four hour trip to the court house and over 50% off the time it yielded nothing, because the case was moved, more paperwork needed to be filled out, the opposing counsel didn't show up, the judge didn't show up and the list goes on and on. IJM colleagues spent 6,100 hours at the courthouse to get this conviction.

"That's 1,000 hours more than all the hours one of my children will spend in school during their four years of high school. That's a lot of time, just ask my kids," said Gary Haugen.

Now I don't know about you, but that type of tedious work with slow results would drive me nuts. That is a true labor of love. It's one that is long-suffering, patient and kind. In addition to securing justice and freedom, IJM also focuses on the mental and physical care of these former slaves by providing them with education and skills to help them integrate back into society. This is a critical component of the IJM model and philosophy of caring for the individual.

Is it Worth it?

The story above took a lot of time, manpower, funds and effort to help ensure justice and freedom for dozens of individuals.

Gary Haugen asked, "Was [it] worth it? Is freedom worth it? If you or I were held as a slave is there someone who would drive to Houston 50 times and spend 6,100 hours in a courthouse for us? This is the long and tedious work of justice that almost no one ever sees. This is a love of a long and faithful kind...and I love it when someone shows it to me."

I had a chance to shake hands and briefly meet with Gary Haugen after the event. Immediately I could sense his sincerity in listening to me, one of dozens waiting to shake his hand, and his dedication to freedom and justice. And for those wondering, his hair is just as awesome in person as it is in the picture.

On my drive home from the event I felt reinvigorated to continue my small efforts to help combat modern slavery. I pondered again the questions that came to my mind when I first learned about slavery in our world today.

What is the worth of a soul?

What is the worth of one individual?

What is the worth of freedom?

What can I do to help?

"Learn to do good, seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow."
-Isaiah 1:17

You can learn more about IJM at www.ijm.org and show your support through volunteer work and donations.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank You,
John Burger
AbolitionistJB

MLB Players Fight Child Slavery so Kids are Free to Play

2011-04-17T12:11:00.000-07:00

April marks the return of Major League Baseball (MLB), and this year there’s an additional cause for excitement. Some MLB athletes are taking action to associate America’s favorite pastime with more than just sunflower seeds and hot dogs. San Francisco Giants pitcher Jeremy Affeldt and other major league players are joining with Not For Sale (NFS) to use baseball in the fight against child slavery. Last year, Affeldt donated a total of $20,000 to support sports programs for kids that have been freed from slavery and now offered sanctuary in NFS programs around the world.
Affeldt began his involvement with NFS, a San Francisco – based non-profit committed to combating human trafficking, after he was traded to the Giants in 2009. Connecting with NFS co-founder David Batstone, Affeldt was inspired to use his platform as a professional athlete to bring awareness to a largely invisible global problem.
“Our Free2Play initiative, in partnership with athletes like Jeremy Affeldt, is a perfect example of how we approach our fight against modern slavery,” Batstone says. “We call it ‘open source activism’ – we do not try to make an individual into a certain kind of social justice activist, but provide a platform where they can contribute out of their passion and talent,” he explains.
While Affeldt’s outstanding first Giants season earned him the reputation of being one of the most effective left-handed setup men in baseball, his philanthropic actions made him a champion for the freedom of others. Baseball fans and human rights activists alike cheered-on Affeldt as he pledged to donate $100 for every strike out of the 2009 season to NFS’s Free2Play platform – a program that enables athletes to use their talents to help victims of human trafficking at the organization’s international projects.
Jeremy’s efforts earned him a 2010 nomination for the Roberto Clemente Award – a national award, which is given annually to the Major League Baseball player who combines a dedication to giving back to the community with outstanding skills on the field.
Now, with a World Series Title under his belt, Affeldt is upping his commitment to $250 per strike out. Batstone joined the pitcher at Spring Training last week in Scottsdale, Arizona, where the pitcher announced his increased commitment. CNN covered the efforts of the two freedom fighters, as they attempted to recruit more ballplayers to the cause. Among the new recruits is Saint Louis Cardinal’s outfielder Matt Holiday, who pledged $500 for every homerun he hits this season.
Everyone wants to emulate the moves of their favorite athletes – when sports stars stand up to modern-day slavery, fans are quick to follow suit. Catholic Healthcare West just announced its pledge to match the first $20,000 that Affeldt raises for NFS during the 2011 season. Also, The San Francisco Giants organization will sponsor a Free2Play game, to be held at AT&T Park during the June 21^st match-up between the SF Giants and the Minnesota Twins, in order to bring attention to the movement.
For those of us taking in the action from the stands, we can now do more than victory dance when Holiday knocks one out of the park. Free2Play encourages sports fans to make pledges contingent on the successes of the team they follow.
You don’t have to have a Jeremy Affeldt-like ERA in order to ensure all kids have the opportunity to enjoy physical activity free from slavery, for “anyone can be part of the Free2Play movement,” according to Batstone,
Athletes can make commitments on their own skills, as NFS seeks to mobilize activists to use their passions (whether they lie with sports, music, art or elsewhere) as a means to provide victims of trafficking with resources to pursue their dreams. The University of San Francisco’s women’s soccer team fielded its own challenge, pledging $15 to Free2Play for every goal they score a season.
Their contributions, combined with generous donations from Affeldt and others, allowed NFS to build a full-sized basketball court at their project in Thailand last year. Not For Sale Thailand, which supports over 100 children who would otherwise be vulnerable to enslavement in the region’s sex industry, can now provide kids with a sports therapy program that offers rehabilitation through play. Meanwhile in Peru, NFS sponsors a surf tribe that provides former street children with equipment and resources to pursue their love of surfing.
Through Free2Play, Not For Sale has enabled athletes and fans to partner in the fight against human trafficking. Though adversaries on the field, Jeremy Affeldt and Matt Holiday are among those teaming up to fight the greater opponent of child slavery. Whether you support the Giants or Cardinals, play in the Major Leagues or the local Little League, live in San Francisco or the streets of Peru – all kids should be free to play.
Watch the CNN Feature on Jeremy Affeldt on The CNN Freedom Project:

SOURCE: Not For Sale

New shopping app shows slavery in company supply chains

2011-04-16T20:55:00.000-07:00

Want to know what’s behind the toy, MP3 player, chocolate or sweater you buy? The International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) and the Not for Sale Campaign (NFSC) continue to develop their partnership on a unique online resource for consumers concerned about forced labor and child labor in their favorite products, Free2Work.org. Free2Work is a website were consumers can easily search specific products, learn more about various labor standards and corporate practices, and further their engagement through their consumption decisions.

Free2Work is the only resource for consumers with a particular concern for forced and child labor. So far, the website has evaluated and rated a broad range of the top products in the US market from garments to electronics to children’s toys and food using a comprehensive rating tool. Some of the companies that have already been rated include: Apple, Adidas, Gap, Hanes, Hasbro, HP, Levi’s, Nestle, Nike, Puma, Skechers, Timberland and Wal-Mart. As part of the project, many of the companies rated are also working to improve their ratings by strengthening their policies to eliminate labor rights abuses. The website also has numerous features where users can share information and resources, find ways to take action and offer feedback on the project.

A Free2Work iPhone and Android APP are now available to download. The app makes it easy to see supply chain ratings on over 100 companies with many more companies to be added to the list. The app was also featured as one of the “11 Great Apps for 2011” at the San Francisco Appshow.

ILRF and NFSC look forward to continuing to expand their collaboration throughout 2011 to support the growing movement to stop forced and child labor.

You can DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE and take it for a test drive yourself.

Source: Not For Sale

Understanding Modern Slavery in the Supply Chain & Why Blanket Boycotts May Not be Best

2011-04-16T20:26:00.000-07:00

Understanding where our products come from is an important part of understanding one of the underlying factors in modern slavery today. From cotton to cocoa, rugs to cell phones, almost every supply chain has some amount of slavery in it.

This is one of the hardest parts of slavery to weed out. To combat slavery in the supply chain, abolitionist organizations must work with companies and suppliers to help them find cases of slavery and remove it from their supply chain. This is how long term solutions can be accomplished as has been seen with the Cocoa Initiative, discussed by Kevin Bales, President of Free the Slaves.

It's often difficult for businesses to wipe out slavery from their supply chains. Take for instance cocoa farms along the ivory coast. Chocolate companies typically buy their cocoa from a broker, who buys it from a broker, who buys it from a group of farmers, where a smaller percentage of these farmers may use slaves.

Some might say, "Let's boycott their chocolate." The problem with this blanket approach is that it may do more harm than good. This hurts the cocoa business, which hurts the brokers, which hurts the group of farmers, of which a large percentage are legitimate farmers on the Ivory Coast struggling to survive. If their farms fail because their sales have dropped, they can easily be enslaved on slave farms or may become a slave farm themselves to produce better margins and just survive.

Because the overhead is so cheap for slave labor, this can grow the slave cycle instead of breaking it.

That's why it's critical to weed out the small percentage of slavery in the product chain at the root. When businesses and anti-slavery groups work together, I mean really team up, this can take place. The organizations can help identify and root out slavery in the supply chain and the companies can expend the resources to make sure local authorities are notified and that it gets removed from their purchases by brokers.

If you know of a company with slavery in their product chain, contact the company to make them aware of the problem along with your state legislators and local news. Nothing will get a company motivated to investigate and cleanup their product chain like a little bad PR. This is actually how the chocolate companies started making changes and decided to partner up with government and abolitionist groups. Boycotts can and do have this effect as well. You just have to remember their may be greater consequences to a blanket boycott than you might realize.

With that said, The International Labour Rights Forum and Not For Sale has created a Free 2 Work APP for the Android and iPhone, which rates companies on their supply chain and makes it easy to learn more about companies and share information with friends. Here's a quick video about it. DOWNLOAD THE APP HERE.

Source: Not For Sale

International Justice Mission Dallas, TX Benefit Dinner

2011-04-14T12:39:00.000-07:00

The International Justice Mission is one of the top anti-trafficking organizations in the world and one of my favorite organizations to support and work with. I have been lucky enough to work with them in small capacities on social media campaigns and to see what they do makes me want to go back to law school. Literally, this past week I have been thinking about going back to school to get a law degree because of what IJM is able to accomplish.

I live in the Dallas area and I want to help promote an upcoming IJM Benefit Dinner on May 3rd. If you have the means and the time, I know this will be a wonderful evening and a great experience for all who attend. You will truly be supporting a wonderful cause and organization. Remember, you will need to RSVP by next Tuesday, April, 19th. See the details below.

IJM Dallas Benefit Dinner

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Reception and Registration at 6:30 p.m.

Dinner served at 7 p.m.
The Fairmont Dallas — Regency Ballroom

$100 per person ($25 tax-deductible portion)*

Business or Cocktail Attire

R.S.V.P. by April 19, 2011
www.ijm.org/benefits or 703.740.9923

Featured Speaker
Gary Haugen, IJM President and CEO

Haugen, a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Chicago Law School, worked in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and was Officer-in-Charge of the United Nations’ genocide investigation in Rwanda prior to founding IJM.

Stories of Hope

Mila+ was trafficked into prostitution at the age of 12. Now, she’s thriving in aftercare. At the benefit, hear how IJM was able to rescue her, and other stories of freedom made possible by people like you.

* The fair market value of each event ticket is $75 and is not tax-deductible. Any amount over and above the fair market value will be considered a gift to IJM and is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Ticket sales are final and non-refundable. + A pseudonym; real name and casework documentation on file with IJM.

Touching Photos of Freed Child Slaves from the Organization Children's Rescue Initiative

2011-04-13T15:33:00.000-07:00

I came across the organization Children's Rescue Initiative in a Facebook post by their founder Bruce Ladebu. In looking through their website, http://www.thechildrensrescue.org/, I was touched by their photo albums of children in slavery and children rescued from slavery. Their organization frees children and families and provides safe houses with after care treatment and schools for them to develop their education and help with the transition back to society. Here are just a few images from their site.

Here is a boy working on a rug loom. Often this is where they eat, sleep and work with little food and rest. Many children have their finger tips burned to callus them to avoid going raw while working on the loom. Children enslaved in the looms often suffer severe respiratory problems from the rug fibers in the air and enclosed spaces.

These boys work under the abusive hand of a brick factory owner. Unless they are rescued, they will probably not live to be teenagers.

Bruce and Robert with a group of children in one of our schools!

We rescued these precious girls after we heard that the oldest sister had been raped and was pregnant by the slave owner. Our team went in and forcefully took the family and got them into a safe house.

We rescued this entire family from brutal conditions in a brick field
.

Bruce and Robert in ceremonial clothing given by the village where we are opening up a new school. This group of boys were all rescued from brutal slave conditions.

The Children's Rescue Initiative is currently focusing on major projects in Pakistan and Rwanda. Their work is dangerous and sometimes they are forced to use debatable tactics, such as buying children out of slavery, to save them. I like what they say about this on their website.

"We are taking and sometimes buying children out of slavery. We have paid money for many children. This is controversial, however in the very dangerous places where we operate, we must do things properly in order to avoid attacks and rioting. We use a variety of methods to free children. We NEVER deal with slave traders, only those who "own" the children. We negotiate debts that have kept these children in bondage. As of 2011, we have freed several hundred children from slavery."

I understand both sides of the argument on buying children out of slavery. But given the areas Children's Rescue initiative is operating, their experience in those areas and seeing some of the things they have accomplished, I think it's sometimes a necessary precaution to free these children.

I know I would be hard pressed to look into the eyes of an enslaved child, especially if it were my own, and not essentially pay a ransom for their freedom. This approach can lead to slave owners making a profit off organizations willing to pay for their freedom, only to go and enslave more children to work their fields, looms, brothels and other horrible situations no child should endure. It does not address the long-term means to end slavery, but it does address the immediate needs of that child. It's a tough dilemma that can vary on a case by case basis.

You can learn more at http://www.thechildrensrescue.org/.

Texas lawmaker aims to crackdown on adult industry and human trafficking

2011-04-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Bill HB 1929, proposed by the House Representative Bill Zedler(R), is taking aim at the adult industry in Texas with an effort to stem the tide of human trafficking and child prostitution within the state.

The Bill will regulate owners, operators, and independent contractors in adult industry with licensure program. This will require all employers and independent contractors in the adult industry to hold license to operate any adult establishment. The bill will also forbid licenses to anyone with a sex crime history, including, human trafficking, prostitution, incest, and child pornography.

Awareness regarding human trafficking and child prostitution in Texas has arisen over the last few months in part to the recent Super Bowl in Dallas, Texas. Legislator and local non-profit organizations held press conferences and awareness events about the issues of human trafficking in Texas, in particular the draw of trafficking and prostitution to Dallas during the Super Bowl.

In January 2011, the Governor, US Senator John Cornyn and Mayor Tom Leppert pledged to fight against human trafficking in Texas. Police task forces were created to crackdown on prostiution and over 13 people, inculding pimps and traffickers, were arrested leading up to the Super Bowl.

A recent bill was passed earlier this month making human trafficking a felony in Texas and providing stiffer penalties for those convicted.

Additional Article:

http://www.examiner.com/human-rights-in-national/texas-a-lawmaker-aims-to-get-tougher-on-adult-industry-to-fight-trafficking?CID=examiner_alerts_article

Dallas Anti-Trafficking 5K Race! Virtual Runners Welcome

2011-04-10T09:26:00.000-07:00

It's time to strap on those running shoes and get a little exercise for a great cause. I will see you there!

Mosaic Family Services, a Dallas based non-profit organization combating human trafficking and domestic violence, is preparing for their second annual Mosaic in Motion to Stop the Abuse 5K and 1M run. You can participate by running in the event yourself, or you can register online as a virtual runner.

This is a wonderful non-profit organization that I have written about in the past. One of the neat things about their 5K run is the option to be a "Virtual Runner."

Not everyone is in shape or desires to run 3.2 miles. (But you have 4 weeks to get there!)
Not everyone is available to run on May 14th.
Not everyone wakes up by 9am on Saturday.
Not everyone who would like to support this organization and their anti-trafficking work lives in the Dallas Area.

The solution. Register as a virtual runner. You can support this wonderful organization and you will also get a "Mosaic in Motion" T-Shirt mailed to you.

Here are the full race details.

RACE PROCEEDS
Proceeds will benefit members of our community who are victims of domestic violence and human trafficking in critical need of the services provided by Mosaic Family Services.

REGISTRATION
To Register online: Click Here or download/print brochure and mail with a check made payable to Mosaic Family Services by April 30, 2011 to:

Mosaic Family Services
Attn: Nu Nguyen
4144 N. Central Expressway, Ste. 530
Dallas, TX 75204-2105

FEES (non-refundable)
Early registration by April 30, 2011 - $25
Registration by May 13, 2011 - $30
On-site registration on May 14, 2011 - $35
Youth ages 5-17 - $15
Youth ages 4 and under and four-legged friends are free.
T-shirts will be given to all registered participants at event.

WHEN
Saturday, May 14, 2011
5K 9:00am
1 Mile 9:30am

WHERE
Oak Point Park and Nature Reserve Amphitheater
2801 E. Spring Creek Parkway
Plano, TX 75074

START TIMES (Rain or Shine)
Registration and t-shirt pick up starts at 8:00 AM.
5K Run will start at 9:00 AM.
1 Mile will start at 9:30 AM.

VIRTUAL RUNNER
If you cannot get in Motion on May 14th because you are out of town, have another commitment or if you just want to sleep in on race day, you can still participate! Signup as a Virtual Runner and register your support for Mosaic. As a Virtual Runner, you will still receive a t-shirt to show your valued involvement in this wonderful cause. You can even register the whole family as a Virtual Runner Team and support this great cause. Become a Virtual Runner now!

WHY BE A SPONSOR
We have five (5) levels of Sponsorship that will provide your company with countless publicity, opportunities and recognition. These packages are a unique opportunity to position your company regionally while aligning with a wonderful cause! For more information on Sponsorship or if you want to be a Sponsor to this Cause please CLICK HERE.

Download Mosaic In Motion Brochure/Registration Form NOW!

Celebrities against slavery: Interview with Vincent Kartheiser of "Madmen" and "Angel"

2011-04-05T06:17:00.000-07:00

I had a chance to meet briefly with actor Vincent Kartheiser of the hit TV shows Madmen and Angel, at the Freedom Awards last November. Vincent is new to the modern abolitionist cause and was a guest presenter at the Freedom Awards ceremony last November 7, 2010. He is also a bit of a self-proclaimed uber-hippie in that he has not owned a car in four years, lives in a minimalist house that has no toilet, and he goes to his neighbors to use the restroom when needed.
Not sure that's the lifestyle for me, mostly the no toilet borrow the neighbors thing, but I am glad he has turned his attention towards anti-slavery work and I hope the Freedom Awards helped garner future support from this talented actor.

Q: How did you first learn about modern slavery?
A: Through different documentaries and information sent to me from different charities, I know a small amount. When it comes to modern slavery, I actually know very little. I had no idea that there are nearly 30 million real slaves, not just people who are being used by corporations, but people who are actually living in real slave conditions. I didn't realize the number was so high. So I am very fresh in my education of this particular issue.

Q: What does freedom mean to you?
A: Well, you know that's a really good question and it's really difficult to say because it's really hard to say that the choices we make are actually associated with free choice. We're taught at a very young age to fall in line with certain ideas. Even recently I have started to question things I learned and thought I knew. We may be told that this is the right way to go about things and this way is wrong. And that may very well be true, but the idea that I can questions and make up my own mind is freedom.

On a whole different level I am very much free and enjoy many rights and privileges that others don't have. There's a lot of corruption and issues in societies today that take away these privileges for others.

Q: That's an interesting point. I know you met Kevin Bales, President of Free the Slaves, earlier. In one of his books, he compares areas with the most rampant slavery as being like the Wild West. There's severe corruption and lack of law and basic human rights which leads to more injustices and lacks of freedom.
A: Yes, that's true. It's true in American history as well.

Q: Are there any other causes you support?
A: I support a number of causes, but I don't sit on any board of directors or really work hand-in hand with a cause. Most of my work is through anonymous support. I am a big supporter of public transportation, different environmental causes and education, especially for women and children in developing nations.

Q: I understand you have not owned a car in years and you live in LA. How does that work?
A: It works quite well for me. I get rides with people and take the bus to work, but I have not owned a car in four years. It's my little contribution to help prevent pollution.

Google for Nonprofits

2011-03-31T05:30:00.000-07:00

Google recently launched "Google for Nonprofits" with a number of tools, videos, and even $10,000 adwords grants that qualifying non-profit organizations can apply for for. Having worked in a support level with a number of non-profit organizations, I know how difficult and costly it can be to operate, market and fundraise for organizations. Hopefully some of these tools and information will be beneficial to anti-trafficking organizations.

REACH MORE DONORS

The following Google offerings can help your organization reach more donors to create awareness and raise money. Receive a $10,000 adwords credit through Google Grants. Receive special listings on Youtube with their non-profit program. Google analytics and webmaster tools are a must to improving your website SEO and traffic.

IMPROVE OPERATIONS

I essentially received Microsoft Office for free on my computer. Even with owning Microsoft Office, I still use gmail to run all of my work, personal and AbolitionisJB emails. I also frequently use Google Docs to collaborate with others who don't have access to Microsoft Office. If you're looking to save money on your operations, I suggest foregoing the expensive costs of buying Microsoft Office for all of your machines and stick with Google or Open Office.

RAISE AWARENESS

In addition to using Google maps as shown in the videos above, Blogger is a great way to reach more people. I love the Wordpress blog format, but Blogger has always brought me more traffic due to the immediate rankings on Goolge search and the Blogger search network. I highly suggest using blogger, in addition to your current blog, to reach more people.

To Adrian Peterson- Playing in the NFL is not like Modern Slavery

2011-03-16T06:45:00.000-07:00

NFL superstar Adrian Peterson made an unfortunate comment after a setback in the players union and NFL negotiations.

"It's modern-day slavery, you know?" said Peterson. "People kind of laugh at that, but there are people working regular jobs who get treated the same way, too. With all the money ... the owners are trying to get a percentage, and bring in more money."

Now I'm not here to debate the negotiations between the NFL and who's in the right as far as the NFL is concerned. It's just unfortunate that Adrian Peterson would refer to it as modern-day slavery, when real modern-day slavery does exist.

I want to give him the benefit of the doubt. He was upset at the turn in negotiations and many of us are prone to say uninformed and stupid things in the heat of the moment, myself very much included. I know what it tastes like to have my shoe in my mouth.

Green Bay Packer's player, Ryan Grant, tweeted the following in response. "Actually still slavery existing in our world. Literal modern day slavery. That was a very misinformed statement...I understand the point he was trying to make, I just feel he should have been advised a little differently."

Seeing as nearly 1 year ago I was misinformed and ignorant of modern slavery, I for one am willing to cut Adrian Peterson some slack in hopes he will become more informed on the issue, withdraw his comments and help bring some new awareness to actual modern-day slavery around the world and here in the United States.

1 Year Anniversary of AbolitionistJB: A year in review

2011-02-13T08:34:00.001-08:00

Yesterday, February 12th, marked the one year anniversary of AbolitionistJB. It was one year ago that my wife came across the website www.love146.org and I started researching about human trafficking. You can read more about this in, How I Started my Abolitionist Journey.

With your help and support, here is what we have accomplished in this first year.

Helped raise over $22,000 in funds for anti-trafficking non-profit organizations, such as Free Generation International.
Over 49,900 page views to AbolitionistJB posts.
Add 20,313 Twitter followers.
Add 550 Facebook likes.
Write 156 posts regarding human trafficking
Sign and help promote 348 petitions through Change.org. These petitions helped pass new legislation, change corporate policies and raise awareness regarding human trafficking.
Attend the 2010 Freedom Awards produced by Free the Slaves. This was a great event in which I was able to interview the Freedom Award winners and a number of celebrities about their efforts to combat slavery.
Became the Dallas Human Trafficking Examiner for the examiner.com in October 2010.
Began writing the book, Swan Slave, which will hopefully be available in November 2011.
Provide social media support and awareness for various NGO campaigns by Not For Sale, IJM, Love146, Free Generation, Free the Slaves, Somaly Mam, Aaron Cohen, Change.org, EcpatUSA, Mosaic, CAST, Truckers Against Trafficking, Tassa Tags and many others. These groups do so much good work, I can't say enough about them. I invite everyone to support them with whatever talents and means you have available.

Everyday I receive messages via Twitter, Facebook and email from people who have found this site and want to help. This gives me hope for the future. What has been accomplished through AbolitionistJB this past year is just a small drop in the bucket. As more people join the cause for freedom, WE CAN end modern slavery and the suffering of millions around the world.

THE TABLE LIFT MAGIC TRICK
Let me illustrate this with an example I like to use when public speaking. I invite you to try it sometime with a group of people.

Step 1: Take a large table and have someone lie down on their back on the table. I like to ask the audience who thinks they are the tallest, biggest, strongest man in the room. I then pick the beefiest guy and ask him to lie on the table. I tell everyone we are going to do a little magic trick. Step 2: I invite another volunteer up to the front and ask them to help me lift the table off the ground. The catch is we can each only use 1 finger to lift.

Step 3: Obviously, we won't be able to accomplish the feat. Then I invite 2, then 5, then 10+ other volunteers to surround the table and lift with just 1 finger. Amazingly, even with a 300lbs. plus guy on the table, we are always able to lift him and the table high in the air.

The man on the table represents the goal we are trying to achieve, which in this case is ending slavery. This model is very much the same model we must use as we work to combat human trafficking. We need more help. We need the talents, support and means of every willing body to end modern slavery for good. If we all work together, we can end modern slavery by 2035, just as Kevin Bales speaks about in the video below.

Again, I thank you for all of your support and action in this work. I look forward to another year and hope and pray for the success of freedom for those victimized by slavery. In closing let me share my favorite quote from the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- Rev. Martin Luther King Jr.

Thank You,
John Burger
AbolitionistJB

(Sporting my new TassaTag before a flight.)

Yes Sanders, There is Human Trafficking During the Super Bowl

2011-02-10T08:30:00.000-08:00

Today I shared a story about woman who was approached for prostitution during the week of the Super Bowl in Dallas.

In a forum on the Dallas Examiner, a man by the name of Sanders Kauffman basically said that human trafficking during the Super Bowl does not exist. Now having read some of the stuff Sanders writes, I realize his whole goal is shock value and controversy.

Arguing accomplishes nothing, but comments like his need to be stood up to. Trafficking is a reality, if nothing else, these comments need to be stood up to for the thousands of girls and boys being trafficked and pimped out each day.

Sanders Kauffman Comments:

"Evangelicals are coming out of the woodwork, outraged over their belief in human trafficking at the Super Bowl. If you were unaware of the problem, it's because there is none. Dallas has MORE than enough hookers to meet the demand - and some amateurs will likely even go pro just for the show.

There are sex workers being trafficked into the Super Bowl, but they are coming with the Evangelical Republicans' "XXXChurch.com". They are the ones funding the campaign over this non-issue.

They hope to get some money and attention for themselves by warning their fellow Evangelicals (who are *easily* stirred to outrage) that an army of sex slaves are coming to take their children away.

It's important, however, not to take the Republicans marketing stuff too seriously. They don't really mean what they say - they're just doing it for the attention."

In response, here is another story that was shared on this same forum about a young girl that narrowly escaped human trafficking during the Super Bowl in Dallas.

So...THIS PAST WEEKEND... Superbowl 2011 Dallas TX, my friend was standing outside of a 7-11 and saw a young girl crying with no shoes on (in 35 degree weather). She asked her "What was wrong? If she needed help." The young girl went on to explain that she had come to visit her friend who she thought worked at Chili's, but she hadn't seen her in 6 months. Her friend is now turning tricks and making $500 and wanted her to join.

There were 2 men in the car who then wouldn't let her out. She said she had to pee, so she had a reason to get out of the car, but (of course) they told her she could pee in the car. (Nice?) So she managed to escape running barefoot down the street.

The young girl was very distressed and told my friend, " I ain't stupid. I'm not going to do that. I'm not going to prostitute. I have parents. I just thought I was going to visit my friend who I hadn't seen. I didn't know she was doing that." Soooo.....I'm pretty sure my friend is a democrat, does that make her a reliable resource? If my friend can meet someone 5 minutes out of escaping a human trafficking situation in Dallas on Superbowl weekend at the 7-11......

Also, here are some links to previous posts I and others have written. I ask people to do their own research as well.

http://www.examiner.com/human-trafficking-in-dallas/human-trafficking-and-the-super-bowl
http://www.sharedhope.org/Portals/0/Documents/Dallas_PrinterFriendly.pdf
http://news.change.org/stories/the-results-are-in-sex-trafficking-at-the-superbowl

Human trafficking is a reality here in the United States and it occurs 24/7 outside of Super Bowl week. As much as this saddens me, I am glad so much attention has been raised from the super bowl. As Tina Frundt, a former sex trafficking survivor and 2010 Frederick Douglass Award winner told me in an interview...

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face with the work you are doing?

A: To be honest with you, the biggest challenge that we face at Courtney's House is convincing people that slavery exists inside the United States. We think overseas immediately when we think about trafficking, but we don't think about the 250,000 children trafficked within the United States. So that's the biggest challenge we have come across, letting people know that it's happening here.

I was asked to be a prostitute during the Super Bowl

2011-02-10T05:24:00.000-08:00

I read this story yesterday and asked permission to repost it here. The girl, who we will call Retail Princess to protect her name, was approached at her retail workplace in the Dallas area, just prior to the Super Bowl.

Here is her story.

"It had been any other Monday night at work, pretty slow with the occasional passerby. I had a long day of classes, and came straight to work so it had been tiring. A man came in wearing shades at night and asked me to help him, so I did. I had a really strange feeling in the pit of my stomach, but I tried to ignore it and fake a smile. As I was ringing him up, he took out a stack of 1,000 dollar bills to pay for a simple 20 bucks. My co-worker leaned in. "Wow that's a lot of money!" she said. He proceeded to explain how he owned some sort of company and was able to get any kind of tickets he wanted. Good thing I'm a smart girl, and didn't believe a word of it. This man was clearly flashing his cash, why else in gods name would you carry around that much?

He flashed his VIP super bowl pass, and opened his bag to reveal stacks of money which made me very uncomfortable with his shady behavior. " I know I'm twice your age, he chuckled but you are beautiful I must say." I blushed. "Thanks", I stuttered not knowing how to reply. "If you spend a weekend with me, I'll teach you everything you need to know." He flashed the cash again. Give me a call baby he said and handed me a card with his phone number on it. I took it in complete and utter shock. I couldn't believe that man would think I could sleep with him. That he was prepared to pay me to do whatever he wanted just sickened me. I wonder how many pretty young 20 somethings has he attempted to prey on.

My more mature looking friend and co-worker did not get hit on, so I wondered if he had preyed on me for the fact that I look like a wide eyed innocent little girl. I think it attracts sicko's.

He attempted to condition me with his stories of his "success" with the rich and famous light up my eyes at my 8 dollar an hour job. It was just absolutely sick, but I could see right through it.

I'm just a poor Christian girl, who works hard to earn money and I'm proud to say I would never do something like that. It just saddens me that maybe some girl who knows no better would fall for his scheme, that she may end up in a very bad place. I can't report him to the police because technically, he did not do anything wrong, I just wish I could somehow alert them to this creep."

I asked her about the card and if she could have used it to inform the police. "Unfortunately I threw away the mans number," she said. "But if I ever see him again you can bet that I will report him to the police."

Hopefully we can all learn from this experience. Also, I suggest that everyone save the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-3737-888 in your phone. If you ever experience anything like this or see suspicious behavior that may be trafficking, call this hotline. It will be directed to the proper authorities immediately. Usually with a quicker response rate. When in doubt, always dial 911.

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

SAVE IN YOUR PHONE: 1-888-3737-888

http://hubpages.com/hub/I-was-asked-to-be-a-whore-today

Interview with Tina Frundt. Trafficking survivor & 2010 Frederick Douglass Award Winner

2011-02-09T09:23:00.000-08:00

Tina Frundt says that no little girl dreams of becoming a sex slave when she grows up. That’s why Tina risks her life in the middle of the night to reach out to teens that are trapped. She knows their pain and fear. “The reason why I’m so compelled to do this work is because I’m a survivor of sex trafficking,” Tina says, “and quite honestly, nobody did this for me.”

It takes Tina just ten seconds to let a sex slave know that someone cares about their plight and can help them escape. She does it on the streets of Washington, D.C. at night. Walking casually along, she hands off a simple trinket that contains a telephone hotline number. It’s a covert encounter, and Tina and her team work hard to blend in so that traffickers won’t become suspicious.

Tina started her own anti-slavery organization with a small inheritance she received when her adoptive mom died in 2008. It’s called Courtney’s House, named for one of her daughters. The group runs the street outreach project and telephone hotline. She opened a first-of-its kind shelter for U.S.-born teenage sex slavery survivors in the Washington metro area. It provides a safe and supportive environment for survivors to begin rebuilding their lives.

It’s difficult for Tina to tell her story in public, but she does so to build awareness that American children are being forced into sex slavery on American soil. She has brought her message to the United Nations and the U.S. Congress.

Tina Frundt, Frederick Douglass Award winner - 2010 Freedom Awards from Free the Slaves on Vimeo.

Here is my interview with Tina Frundt at the 2010 Freedom Awards

Q: How dangerous is the outreach work for you? Are you worried about the pimps recognizing you on the streets?
A: I don't do the direct street outreach anymore. I have a team of 30 women who are wonderful. They go out in groups of 4 no less than 3. I had to stop doing the direct outreach because of too much exposure. So they go and do a wonderful job.

Q: How does one become an outreach worker for your team?

A: It's a 3 tier interview process and a week long training. Everyone has to have background checks and females only go out to do outreach.

Q: What is the biggest challenge you face with the work you are doing?

Q: What do you see as the biggest opportunity for you?

A: The Freedom Awards, definitely. I am the first U.S. citizen to ever win the award and I think that shows how we have grown and started to recognize the issue within the United States. But more importantly to me I am going to speak on the side of the kids that I work with. Because people are surprised to find that someone actually cares about them and what is going on with them. So I think this has a huge impact on our work.

Q: Can you share any recent successes?

A: Yes, definitely. We just had a new town house donated to us to use for an office and our new drop-in center space. Recently we also had a minivan donated to us for our group home. So I think that really shows people are learning, understanding the issues and trying to give. Because Federal money, I don't get and we need these donations.

Q: I understand your shelter is the first of a kind.

A: Yes, it is. We now have our shelter and drop-in center. Now we can provide housing, but also a place for kids to go for services and help.

Q: You also provide shelter and services for boys that are trafficked, correct?

A: Yes, we work with boys. We are the only organization that works with U.S. citizen boys who are trafficked. We are the only ones in the United States. And I think that's because people don't understand the issue of trafficking with boys. To be honest with you, boys are actually the worst cases. They start younger, they're abused more and that's because they don't speak out because they're boys. It surprises me every day when people say, "Boys are trafficked?" Well boys are abused, why wouldn't they be trafficked?

Q: I recently wrote a blog post about that. A boy was sitting with a man on a flight. A lady noticed things looked out of place. When the man left for the restroom, she asked the boy where they were headed. He thought they were going t a different place than their destination and some things didn't add up. She told the flight attendants and the police were there when the plane landed. Turned out he was being trafficked to Florida and the man was arrested.

A: Yes, it happens with boys. And that's all boys we work with. Ages 11 to 16.

Q: How young have you seen them started or forced into prostitution?

A: Well you see what most people don't understand is that boys start younger. Boys are usually trafficked between the ages of 5 to 10. Many are in the foster care system and homeless. And may I say we also help gay and transgender. I think it's really important for people to understand that.

Q: As I write and learn about various stories of trafficking, modern slavery, I find it can be difficult to stay positive. As a survivor of trafficking yourself, how do you stay positive and focused in your work?

A: I come from a different perspective, being a survivor. I can be honest and tell you that the good thing about me is that I can separate my emotions. The bad thing about me is that I can separate my emotions. So what I focus on is definitely how to help the victim. That's it. If you worry about the story, if you take that on, you are not going to be able to focus on how to help that person. My focus is always how can I help them right now. What can I do right now. Not their story and how horrible their story is, but what can I do to help them get out of their situation right now. And I have to be strong for them, because if I'm crying because of their story then it will disrupt things and they are not going to trust me. They are going to think, you know, that I'm weak. And that's not my motive. My motive is to help them.

Q: How can people get involved and support your work?

A: There are so many ways you can get involved now. Visit our website www.courtneyshouse.org. You can donate there and apply to be a volunteer at Courtney's House. There are tons of different ways that people can help.