News & Events

NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact: Leif Larson Director of Communications and PR, Shared Hope International (Washington, D.C., office) leif@sharedhope.org 202-421-3708 Shared Hope International Supports Nomination of Pam Bondi as United States Attorney General WASHINGTON, D.C. — Shared Hope International, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to combating human trafficking, enthusiastically supports the […]

  NEWS RELEASE For immediate release For more information, contact: Leif Larson Director of Communications and PR, Shared Hope International (Washington, D.C., office) leif@sharedhope.org 202-421-3708 No Senate Confirmation Until House Ethics Committee Report Clears AG Nominee Matt Gaetz of Sex Trafficking Allegations Washington, D.C. – The recent nomination of former Congressman Matt Gaetz for the […]

My name is Marian, and I’m a grateful OG survivor! This year, I celebrated 20 years clean and sober and out of life. At the some time, I am 10 years healed from triple-negative breast cancer. While maintaining sobriety and health issues are experiences mainstream society faces, those of us moving forward after the trauma […]

https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2024/08/19/chrystul-kizer-sentence-wisconsin-sex-trafficking/ Chrystul Kizer’s story is one of victimization and survival. She was a victim of child sex trafficking, forced into a life of exploitation and abuse. However, she was treated as a criminal instead of being recognized as a survivor. The outcome of her case has been widely criticized, with many arguing that it fails […]

The 2024 JuST Conference, www.justconference.org, the nation’s premier training conference, presented by Shared Hope International on October 22-24 in Phoenix, Arizona is shaping up to be a game-changing event in the fight against juvenile sex trafficking. With an unrivaled educational agenda featuring presentations, workshops, survivor experiences, and cross-discipline collaboration, attendees can look forward to a […]

2024 State Legislative Update The Shared Hope policy team has been working tirelessly this year, tracking 3,558 bills and providing technical assistance in 22 states to combat child and youth sex trafficking. Legislative measures at the state level are crucial in protecting vulnerable youth and prosecuting perpetrators. As state legislatures wrap up their sessions, staying […]

The use of emojis in sex trafficking is a disturbing trend that highlights the dark side of online communication. Emojis, originally intended to add emotional nuance to digital conversations, are now being misused by traffickers to facilitate the exploitation of victims. The seemingly innocent symbols can be used to convey coded messages, arrange illicit transactions, […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant Ambassador-at-Large, United Nations Each January we start off the new year with renewed vigor to fight human trafficking as we acknowledge and consider the long road ahead during National Human Trafficking Prevention month. Of course, we know we can’t address Human Trafficking in one month, and the reality […]

Friday Facts is a new series in which we present a data point or bit of information from the latest set (2023) of Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking. On every Friday this year, we will feature a fact from one state (or Washington, D.C.). During the course of 2024, we will walk […]

JANUARY 25, 2024 CONTACT: Sarah Flaim 202-546-4242 WASHINGTON – Today, a leading anti sex trafficking non-profit is calling on governors in all 50 states to examine their probation and prison populations for potential child sex trafficking survivors who have been criminally prosecuted despite their own trafficking victimization. The letter from Shared Hope International (SHI) – […]

Jump to the Gala webpage! A quarter of a century ago, U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith embarked on a courageous journey into the heart of the brothel district in Mumbai, India. There, amidst the harsh realities of brutal sexual slavery and exploitation of women and children, she felt a divine mandate to take action. And so, […]

Friday Facts is a new series in which we present a data point or bit of information from the latest set (2023) of Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking. On every Friday this year, we will feature a fact from one state (or Washington, D.C.). During the course of 2024, we will walk […]

Friday Facts is a new series in which we will present a data point or bit of information from the latest set (2023) of Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking. On every Friday this year, we will feature a fact from one state (or Washington, D.C.). During the course of 2024, we will […]

Linda Smith, Shared Hope International’s Founder and President, appeared on an episode of a national show hosted by Dr. Drew Pinsky in a segment about sex trafficking. The episode aired on Sunday, January 28 on the Fox Business channel. “Health Uncensored with Dr. Drew” is a new show on the network, and Smith appeared as [...]

Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Declared by the U.S. Congress in 2007, the day designated for this issue occurs annually on January 11 and falls during Human Trafficking Prevention Month. This is a day set aside for special recognition of trafficking. Awareness of trafficking is necessary because it’s the first step in addressing […]

Friday Facts is a new series in which we will present a data point or bit of information from the latest set (2023) of Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking. On every Friday this year, we will feature a fact from one state (or Washington, D.C.). During the course of 2024, we will […]

By Stephen Padre Today, December 6, is the feast day of St. Nicholas. He was the Bishop of Myra, which is part of modern-day Turkey, and lived from 270 to 343. While he’s the patron saint of sailors, merchants, archers, repentant thieves, children, pawnbrokers, and students, you may know him best as the model for […]

In Missouri, a Shared Hope partner provides care for young teen girls who have been sexually trafficked or exploited in a residential setting and counseling, educational and support services for youth and adults in the community. The organization recently brought its prevention and intervention program to youth at a juvenile detention center. Teens at the […]

Nonprofit’s annual evaluation of all 50 states and Washington, D.C., shows progress in certain states’ legal protections and supports for victims, gives 32 states failing grades for laws addressing child and youth sex trafficking WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 15, 2023—Tennessee is the highest-performing state for laws to protect children and youth from sex trafficking and the first […]

Shared Hope International’s Founder and President, Linda Smith, speaks about our work as restoration-focused in the U.S., not in overseas rescues. Thanks once again to Hollywood, America added a new character this summer to the pantheon of action superheroes it has created: the swashbuckling man who sweeps into corrupt foreign countries to rescue children from […]

Zephaniah “Zephi” Trevino has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced to 12 years for murder and five years for aggravated robbery. The Dallas County District Attorney alleged Zephi —along with two men— had taken part in a robbery that left one man dead from a gunshot wound and another injured. Although Zephi was not responsible […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant Ambassador-at-Large, United Nations Last month was Mental Health Awareness month and as annual attention to this issue prompted introspection about my own personal experiences, I began to think about how the mental health needs of trafficking survivors so often intertwine with the need for federal vacatur and post-conviction […]

“A just law is a man-made code that squares with the moral law, or the law of God. An unjust law is a code that is out of harmony with the moral law.” (Martin Luther King, Letter from the Birmingham jail) What is social justice? How does it differ from “Social Justice” (with capital letters), […]

When we talk about restoring a victim of trafficking considerations must include if they have something to be restored to. Do they have anywhere or anything to which they want to return? (as in the definition above  by the American Heritage Dictionary:  “an original or normal condition; placed in a former position or location”) Perhaps […]

Written by Barbara Amaya with Holly Austin Gibbs Photography by Shanna Parker After we had been married for a few years, Jose and I got serious about starting a family. I had never been pregnant before, and, until Jose, I honestly hadn’t given the idea much thought, other than being grateful that I had never […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant Ambassador-at-Large, United Nations Black History Month this year has a different meaning for me, its reflective, personal, communal, and generational. You might ask why? It’s actually very simple, as life usually is. I literally laughed out loud as I wrote this because, it’s us, the actors in this […]

Shared Hope International’s newly released Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking reveals 37 states received failing grades for laws addressing child and youth sex trafficking, showing the nation’s continued challenge to provide comprehensive and accessible victim protections. Watch the 2022 Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking release video! Shared Hope International’s […]

Lack of Consistency in Child Sex Trafficking Laws May Hurt Our Children By Christine Raino and Eliza Reock What’s in a name? A lot, actually. In the area of anti-sex trafficking law and policy, words and definitions matter. They have the ability to affect thousands of lives of individuals who have survived sex trafficking. In [...]

Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act (S.4916/H.R.8948) Approximately 4.2 million youth and young adults experience homelessness in the United States each year. Homeless and runaway youth are among those most susceptible to falling victim to human trafficking as their heightened state of vulnerability and the immediate nature of their needs create an ideal […]

In sentencing child sex trafficking survivor, Pieper Lewis, on September 13, 2022, Judge David Porter stated, “Ms. Lewis, this is the second chance you asked for. You don’t get a third. Do you understand?” The judge was alluding to his sentencing order that imposed a term of probation in lieu of immediate imprisonment, however the “second chance” […]

By Kayla Wolff Growth Strategies Manager: Foundations/Grants/Donors / Shared Hope International Share Hope International’s domestic W.I.N. (Women’s Investment Network) program empowers women who have experienced difficult or traumatic circumstances through professional development and training. For 20-25 hours every week during the nine-month, three-phase program, these women learn basic office procedures and are equipped with skills […]

Each year, Shared Hope International advocates for legislation aimed at preventing child and youth sex trafficking, while expanding protections and services for survivors. Through collaboration with legislators, survivor leaders, and advocates, we push for federal legislation that will ensure change across the nation. Learn more about some of the federal bills we’re focused on: Debt […]

By Paulina Andrews and Emily Tegley 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report On July 19, 2022, the U.S. Department of State released the 2022 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. The TIP Report is federally mandated by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA). Each year, the TIP Report evaluates global anti-trafficking efforts and ranks countries into three […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant Ambassador-at-Large, United Nations This writing is immensely important to me, personally and professionally. The heartbeat of accomplishment can be summed up in a quote I admire. “I am a very strong believer in listening and learning from others” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg I can think of no greater […]

As Congress heads into Summer Recess and 27 of the 46 states in session in 2022 have adjourned for the calendar year, Shared Hope is doing a legislative update blog series on state and federal laws that have been introduced and enacted with the potential to impact survivors of child and youth sex trafficking. In […]

Shared Hope has been a leader on policy research in the field of child and youth sex trafficking for over 20 years, working to ensure federal, state, and local policies are rooted in and supported by research and promising practices. Shared Hope’s Policy Team provides technical assistance and advocacy support to Congressional and state legislators seeking research-based, […]

Updated 5/24/2024 It is commonly known that retraumatizing and creates an uneasy relationship between the survivor and the legal justice system. However, many state and federal laws continue to charge victims of human trafficking with the crimes they committed under coercive force by their traffickers. These crimes are frequently prostitution offenses but may also include [...]

Sara’s Law and the Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act of 2021 (H.R. 2858) The Preventing Unfair Sentencing Act of 2021, or “Sara’s Law,” was introduced into Congress on April 26, 2021. The legislation is named after Sara Kruzan who was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole at 17 years old for killing […]

Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (S. 3946, S. 3949) Updated: 2/1/2023 In 2022, Congress introduced four Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (“TVPRA”) bills which would most notably reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) authorizations which expired in September 2021. The TVPA provides critical tools needed to combat human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad […]

By: Camryn Peterson, Advocacy Manager To truly end child and youth sex trafficking, we must not turn a blind eye to the systems that overlap with commercial sexual exploitation of children. As we reflect on National Foster Care month, we take a closer look at how involvement in foster care increases the risk of sex […]

By Nancy Winston, Senior Director For Linda Smith, it all began with a filthy wisp of a girl, bold enough to cling to her skirt as she experienced India’s wretched brothels for the first time. Jolted into suddenly believing what had seemed just too far-fetched—that children were being sold for sex on the streets of […]

By: Shauna Devitt, Senior Communications Manager In March we celebrate Women’s History Month, a time to commemorate and celebrate women; women in history, women in the workforce, women who are breaking barriers, women working to eradicate sex trafficking. Women like Shared Hope International’s Founder and President, Linda Smith, who has been a pioneer legislator and […]

As Ambassadors of Hope, you and I can likely relate in that we can’t help but get on a soapbox when the topic of vulnerable children is raised. We’re passionate about protecting kids and simply want to equip others with tools to keep their kids safe from predators. Admittedly, as a mom of three little […]

Under the Advanced Legislative Framework, released by Shared Hope International in 2020, additional focus is given to several issues of national importance, including encouraging harm prevention for survivors in the juvenile justice system, mandating trauma-informed trafficking training for relevant state agencies, and increasing access to services for minor victims.  The Framework analyzes the adoption of […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant, Ambassador-at-Large (United Nations) Black History month focuses on the accomplishments and successes and richness of Black history, and rightly so. It also invokes underlying racial disparities in many areas of society. Poverty, education, and housing insecurity come to mind of course. Another area where this disparity is especially […]

 By:  Sarah Bendtsen and Christine Raino While a relatively small percentage of children referred to and served by child welfare are child sex trafficking victims, child welfare has an important and unavoidable role in responding to child sex trafficking. Reformed and tailored responses to child sex trafficking are critical for ensuring proper responses to system-involved […]

By Anna Given   Shared Hope was pleased to have Pastors Jo and Nick Lembo host our Faith in Action webinar series throughout the month of January for National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Jo Lembo is Shared Hope’s Director of Faith Initiatives and Nick Lembo is a member of the Shared Hope Board […]

    Each week during Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we brought you resources to help you move forward in your anti-trafficking work and advocacy. These resources are organized by the Three Pillars of Shared Hope, Prevent, Restore and Bring Justice. Today, we bring you more opportunities to put action into motion – to take what you […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant Ambassador-at-Large, United Nations As National Slavery & Human Trafficking Prevention Month 2022 ends, I am filled with a myriad of emotions. This annual recognition on the surface is focused on long term protections of victims/survivors addressing labor and sex trafficking, yet economic exploitation is often overlooked. In a […]

Part of the role of parents to effectively protect their kids is to know what is being taught in your school, and what your child is exposed to. That begins with your involvement in your child’s classroom however you are able. Ask your child’s teacher how you can volunteer in the classroom. (Hint: Gramma or […]

By: Camryn Peterson, Advocacy Manager   In 2020, Shared Hope opened its doors to the Institute for Justice & Advocacy only a few blocks from the White House. This physical location has been symbolic in our journey to bring justice to victims of sex trafficking across the country and our ultimate aim to eradicate child […]

by Nancy Winston, Senior Director   With the establishment of Shared Hope in 1998, efforts began with international partners and restoration was the sole focus. Starting here was the foundation for our education on what “restoration” really looked like. Early on, we provided safe places for some in India, Nepal, Jamaica, Fiji, and South Africa […]

By Jo Lembo, Director of Faith Initiatives & National Outreach You are the key to Shared Hope’s success in fighting child and youth sex trafficking. Shared Hope pursues a strong Prevention program to help you educate others. The more people who know the signs of trafficking, and who know how to effectively respond, the smaller […]

Tennessee is top-ranked state in the nation for its laws protecting and responding to child trafficking survivors WASHINGTON, NOVEMBER 15, 2023—Tennessee is the first state to receive an A in Shared Hope International’s Report Cards on Child and Youth Sex Trafficking, released today. (See Tennessee’s Report Card and related resources.) As the only U.S. nonprofit […]

Our world is rocked.  Our security feels threatened.  Our emotions may be ravaged. We’ve never lived through the craziness of a pandemic before. The ground beneath our beliefs is roiling, and we seek something solid on which to stand. If you will, please allow me to share my journey.  When things reel out of control […]

Shared Hope International Introduces Advanced Level State Report Cards The majority of states + D.C. have “D” (10) or “F” (40) grades FL receives highest grade, a “C” Only 8 states fully protect trafficked children from arrest, detention, charging and prosecution for prostitution offenses WASHINGTON, D.C., (November 17, 2021) — Shared Hope International, dedicated non-profit […]

Shared Hope International Introduces Advanced Level State Report Cards The majority of states + D.C. have “D” (10) or “F” (40) grades FL receives highest grade, a “C” Only 8 states fully protect trafficked children from arrest, detention, charging and prosecution for prostitution offenses WASHINGTON, D.C., (November 17, 2021) — Shared Hope International, dedicated non-profit […]

Picture in your mind, this  pathbreaker.  He or she is someone with a formidable tool—a pick or an ax—heaving it with two hands behind the back, coming down hard on a forbidding surface—rocks, or rock-hard earth.  This worker is spent with the effort, perspiring and hot, but enduring, and unwilling to give up until this […]

Dr. Marian Hatcher Shared Hope Policy Consultant Ambassador-at-Large, United Nations This blog addresses two bills which recently passed the House through their incorporation into the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).  If the NDAA is passed by Congress with these provisions, this would significantly increase a survivor’s quality of life by addressing credit and housing  concerns […]

Written by Dr. Gail Dines, a Professor Emerita of Sociology and Women’s Studies In the 1970s and 80s, feminists argued that prostitution could not be separated from porn, or as Andrea Dworkin so succinctly stated, “porn is prostitution with the camera going.”[i] Over the ensuing decades, however, there have been both theoretical and political attempts […]

Ambassadors are an important influence in their communities to keep children safe, when they use Shared Hope presentations and resources. We make it easy to report each time you present prevention education, have a meeting with key influencers, or host a resource table. Log your event reports at  https://sharedhope.org/event-tracking/. Our donors want to know how […]

For the last several months, we have been reviewing the six Issue Areas that comprise the Advanced Legislative Framework—the rubric for issuing grades in our Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking. This month, we are highlighting the final issue: Prevention and Training. To eradicate sex trafficking, it is imperative that key individuals are […]

Shared Hope International has been working in Wisconsin, across the country, and internationally for over 20 years to guide and support appropriate responses to protect survivors, hold offenders to account, and ultimately prevent the crime entirely. 11 years ago we launched the Protected Innocence Challenge project (i.e. State Report Cards) to assess the status of […]

As we continue to highlight the six Issue Areas within the Advanced Legislative Framework, we are excited to, once again, draw attention to more victim-centered and trauma-informed responses to ensure survivors receive the support they need following proper identification. Issue Area #4 focuses on survivors’ access to justice, including creating a pathway to pursuing civil […]

On September 3rd, 2021, the “Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act” (H.R.5150) was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation most notably reauthorizes the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA), which provides critical tools needed to combat human trafficking in the U.S. and abroad.  Without Congressional action, the TVPA is set [...]

Join us November 17th for the release of Shared Hope International’s inaugural Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking! These new report cards will be graded under an advanced legislative framework, taking Shared Hope’s State Report Cards project to the next stage in fighting sex trafficking and protecting victims! We will be releasing the new report […]

Shared Hope International is grateful to Congressmembers Smith and Bass for introducing the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2021, and for their longstanding commitment to combatting human trafficking and promoting trauma-informed responses to trafficking survivors. This critical legislation reflects that commitment by highlighting the importance of prevention through education, training […]

About our guest author: As a Master of Social Work candidate at the University of Alabama and part of the University’s MSW Washington D.C. program, Susannah Ayers spent the spring 2021 semester in a Policy Fellowship with Shared Hope International. Through this fellowship, she worked closely with the Policy Team to analyze and advocate for […]

Advanced Legislative Framework: Issue Area #2 (Identification and Response to Victims) and Issue Area #3 (Continuum of Care) This fall, we will release state Report Cards based on our Advanced Legislative Framework, pushing states towards a victim-centered response to child and youth sex trafficking. The framework is based on six issue areas that review state’s […]

Have you taken time to listen to Shared Hope’s new podcast, Invading the Darkness? With episodes ranging from 8 to 20 minutes in length coupled with compelling and heart wrenching stories from our founder and president Linda Smith, this podcast will equip you with both the knowledge and the tools to keep kids in your […]

As children across the country begin their transition back to school, Shared Hope offers many resources to help educate and equip schools to bring awareness to DMST (domestic minor sex trafficking). When the pandemic hit, closing most schools and driving students online, we upped our focus to help further protect our kids online with our […]

“Here I was on what was supposed to be a five-minute call in my congressional office and I listened for 45 minutes. Just not able to put the phone down, hearing about children being sold for horrible acts and labeled prostitutes.” – Linda Smith, Founder & President of Shared Hope International. If you haven’t heard, […]

In November 2020, Shared Hope released an advanced legislative framework that will take our annual state report cards to the next level, urging states to focus more deeply and more effectively on victim protections and services. This fall we will release the inaugural Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking, grading all 50 states […]

Sex trafficking happens to children in your community every day. At Shared Hope, we are committed to not only telling the world about it, but to also provide resources and tools that will empower you to do something about it. Recently, Shared Hope entered the world of podcasts by launching a podcast of our own […]

Written by Pastor Nick and Jo Lembo A question asked by many Christians who care deeply about others, especially for the vulnerable and the oppressed is, “Why doesn’t God stop evil people who hurt children?” It seems there is a conflict between what we believe about our loving God (who knows us personally and gave […]

As Ambassadors, we always hope that the seeds we plant will make a positive difference in some way. When we give a prevention and awareness event on DMST we highlight the signs to look for and the importance of saying something if you see something that does not seem right. We are sure to hand […]

On March 24, 2021, Pope Francis appointed Juan Carlos Cruz, a survivor of child sexual abuse, to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, which was established in 2015 to formally address the scandal of sex abuse of minors within the Catholic church. Pope Francis is facing perhaps the greatest crisis of his papacy […]

Washington, DC – January 27, 2021 – Leveraging its leadership position in the hospitality industry nationwide, Omni Hotels & Resorts announces that it will host the nation’s premier conference on child and youth sex trafficking. In the coming three years, Omni will be the banner hotel and host for the highly regarded  JuST Conference  (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) that  Shared Hope International has annually [...]

Washington, DC – January 27, 2021 – Leveraging its leadership position in the hospitality industry nationwide, Omni Hotels & Resorts announces that it will host the nation’s premier conference on child and youth sex trafficking. In the coming three years, Omni will be the banner hotel and host for the highly regarded  JuST Conference  (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) that  Shared Hope International has annually [...]

This blog post was written by Rev. Marian Hatcher. Daily Prayer is a Must Our connection to God through daily prayer and supplication is a must. God never promised us we wouldn’t face difficulties. He let us know we would have storms, encounter mountains and valleys; yet in the end He assures us He will […]

Zephi Trevino was 16 years old when she was first trafficked by a young adult, Philip Baldenegro, who originally posed and acted as her boyfriend. Just prior to meeting Baldenegro online, Zephi had been abused and introduced to drugs by another boyfriend, resulting in trauma that manifested in depression and anxiety, a significant departure from […]

As I reflect on the last year, I consider my journey that included cancer, COVID-19, kids, and raising domestic minor sex trafficking awareness. The past year, I simultaneously battled and beat breast cancer during a pandemic, while homeschooling my four children under age 9. And I continued to fight against child sex trafficking because I […]

My name is Mary Kate (Donnell) Soliva and I am a volunteer Ambassador of Shared Hope International. I am also a Special Operations soldier currently serving in the US Army. I joined the fight to combat human trafficking in 2012 while a student at the University of Guam. After hearing about the first known human […]

Building on a decade of successful advocacy through the Protected Innocence Challenge, Shared Hope International’s Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking will advance the standards for grading states on delivering legal solutions that address this vulnerable population. Washington, DC, Nov. 18, 2020 – Since 1998, Shared Hope has worked to inspire lawmaking that […]

Building on a decade of successful advocacy through the Protected Innocence Challenge, Shared Hope International’s Report Cards on Child & Youth Sex Trafficking will advance the standards for grading states on delivering legal solutions that address this vulnerable population. Washington, DC, Nov. 18, 2020 – Since 1998, Shared Hope has worked to inspire lawmaking that […]

Ten years ago, when Shared Hope developed the nation’s first legal framework to comprehensively analyze state laws addressing the crime of child sex trafficking, our field research on Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking had indicated that there were fundamental gaps that needed to be addressed in states’ laws. That was confirmed when we launched the inaugural […]

Many of you have met Brianna…  She was just 18 years old, a straight A student with dreams of becoming a nurse, when a trafficker made his move and began to groom her in preparation to sell her into the underworld of commercial sexual exploitation. Through the intervention of a high school friend and his […]

In Shared Hope’s 22 years of fighting against the sex trafficking of minors in the USA, we have watched the sexualization of children change with the culture.   The 1950’s Coppertone billboard of the tan little girl with her dog pulling down her swimsuit, is now a tame discussion as we’ve watched ads for all sorts of products slowly slide towards the exposure of more […]

We are often asked, how can the church help stop this and protect children? And I think one of the reasons the church hasn’t been too concerned about it, is because men aren’t being taught in the church what a real man should be. A lot of men, if I can say this boldly, are […]

In the number of years that I’ve worked on many of these cases in the United States, I’ve watched law enforcement change dramatically. They’re realizing that victims of prostitution are just somebody’s daughter, son, mom, cousin, sister or brother. And they’re starting to understand that, and they’re starting to change how they work with girls […]

Lacy: As a young teen, I didn’t get to go to a real school, and I didn’t get to have a prom or any of the stuff that normal kids do. I didn’t get any of that, because of what happened to me. So, there was so much anger and bitterness inside and there was […]

Share this story with others to better understand what happens to children caught in child sex trafficking. Lacy is one of the survivors featured in the Chosen film, who was thirteen years old at the time she was trafficked.  Sharing today from an interview when she was nineteen years of age. Asking the question: How […]

Click here to receive your free download copy of the Chosen film . The story is chilling in its content, but the end brings relief. If only every kid could have loving parents like Gordy and Robyn, who would’ve done anything for anyone of their children, especially their ‘baby’ Brianna, the youngest of five. Every kid deserves a friend like Evan who knew to […]

Many of you responded to the voice of a grateful survivor this week, over 3,400 of you viewed the post and more than 50 shared it. Today we want to introduce you to Brianna and the police officer who orchestrated her escape. He had learned about trafficking after spending time with Linda Smith, founder of Shared Hope.   “Without […]

 (Brianna, Survivor Leader, has a special message for law enforcement) For the past 20 years, Shared Hope International has been working to bring justice to vulnerable adults and children who have survived and overcome being commercially sexually exploited. Our small but powerful team of 18 staffers has managed to secure a global network and […]

By: Natalie Assaad   The OSCE Office of the Special Representative and Co-Ordinator for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings held the 20th OSCE Alliance Conference against Trafficking in Persons this past week from July 20 – 22, 2020. In reflection of the 20th anniversary of the passing of the Palermo protocol, the conference focused on […]

Due to COVID-19, Shared Hope International had to shift our internship program to a remote experience. Despite losing the in-person experience, we maintained providing a meaningful for our interns, including our D.C. office interns Sapna Swaymapakula and Mariah Cabrera. Sapna gratefully shared with her and Mariah’s experience in this blog.  Participating in a virtual internship […]

  “20 years ago today, there was not a single country in the world with a comprehensive anti-trafficking law. We have since seen 154 countries pass anti-trafficking legislation.” -Ambassador-at-Large John Cotton Richmond  The 20th annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report was released on June 24th, 2020, celebrating two decades of the U.S. Department of State’s […]

I learned about the sex trafficking of minors in the United States while serving as an active duty military officer. I was heartbroken to learn that while I was serving my county, supporting peacetime and wartime operations overseas, another war was raging at home. The casualties – countless American children. Every day, American children are […]

We who believe in a big God, who loves us and cares about every detail of our lives, often are unaware of His hand guiding us years before we actually recognize we have been called to a specific assignment. My husband, an ordained minister, and I worked as a team in “marketplace ministry”, or the […]

We have taken time to observe and ponder the events of the past several weeks.  It has been instructive to watch and listen to what is being said and done as individuals, groups and organizations absorb and react to, our nation’s current events. There are various opinions on roots of the turmoil–and causes and cures–but […]

Bridge to Success May marks National Foster Care month, prompting an annual focus on a system response that impacts nearly half a million children and youth in the U.S. at any given time. During a normal year, advocates and policymakers highlight promising trends, practices, and challenges for supporting foster care youth, including those transitioning out […]

Over the past several weeks as the COVID-19 crisis has spread across the nation, students have moved from schools to online learning platforms, thousands of employees have moved from office buildings to home offices, and many organizations that serve and support child victims of sexual exploitation must now rely on the internet to reach out […]

Guest Author: Tomas Perez, Founder & CEO of The EPIK Project  I’m a coffee snob. Living and working near Portland, Oregon it’s delightfully easy to become one. Sadly, many small businesses like local coffee shops are facing extinction in the face of COVID-19. Thankfully, communities across the country are acutely aware of the threat to their favorite […]

By Kathy Bryan This pandemic that has turned our world upside down is having particular impact on vulnerable and at-risk populations.  As the Director of Elevate Academy, I work with a client base of over 600 trafficking survivors. We are receiving daily, desperate communications with the most prevalent issue being significant financial problems due to […]

I was assignment to read ​Renting Lacy​ for a class on human trafficking at my university. Renting Lacy​ was a required book for the course. Though it was a quick read, it was notably substantive. Renting Lacy is a fictional, yet reality-based story founded upon the biographies of the unfortunate lives that are involved in […]

Our Shared Hope International team hopes you and your loved ones are coping with the unprecedented disruption we are all experiencing and that you are doing well in the midst of so much change. Know that we are praying for you.  The women and children we serve are no strangers to lives turned upside down; […]

By Butch and Jean Fitzpatrick As Ambassadors of Hope, we spend time proactively communicating, giving out resources, sharing about DMST and the work of Shared Hope International,  and make ourselves available for prevention and awareness but we don’t always get to see the seeds we plant sprout into action. In September 2018 we spent time […]

The collaboration with the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova Law follows a three-year study of the phenomenon of treating sex trafficking victims as criminals WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shared Hope International, a non-profit leader in the fight to eradicate domestic minor sex trafficking, today announced the release of “Responding to […]

New center is a home for education, research and training of advocates and stakeholders in the fight to end sex trafficking and eliminate bias against victims WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shared Hope International, a non-profit leader in the fight to eradicate domestic minor sex trafficking, today announced the opening of the Shared Hope […]

New center is a home for education, research and training of advocates and stakeholders in the fight to end sex trafficking and eliminate bias against victims WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shared Hope International, a non-profit leader in the fight to eradicate domestic minor sex trafficking, today announced the opening of the Shared Hope […]

New center is a home for education, research and training of advocates and stakeholders in the fight to end sex trafficking and eliminate bias against victims. WASHINGTON, Jan. 23, 2020 – Shared Hope International, a non-profit leader in the fight to eradicate domestic minor sex trafficking, today announced the opening of the Shared Hope Institute […]

“Years from now, I pray we will be able to look back on this day and say, ‘That’s when the tide truly turned; that’s when the eradication of sex trafficking dramatically accelerated.’” – Linda Smith, Founder and President This January 23rd, we will take the biggest step in our 21-year history by opening the doors […]

Terry’s House, a partnership between Shared Hope and The Coffee Oasis, is a transitional living home for young women who have survived sexual exploitation and seek a supportive path to self sufficiency.  There is room for you or your client with us! Hope for a New Life in the New Year She is calling. Hope […]

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Do you know the warning signs? As you read this, millions of women, men and children around the world are subject to being trafficked. To address this evil injustice, it helps to define and know exactly what it is. The federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act defines human trafficking as: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a […]

When I first became involved with Shared Hope one thing that truly affected me was the faith of its founders, Vern and Linda Smith. I knew these were like-minded believers who put their confidence in an Almighty God to change this nation.  I understood that only through Christ would lasting restoration come to the lives of […]

Sometimes the most important news is the most difficult to hear. On the same day that Shared Hope International celebrated the release of our 9th annual Protected Innocence Challenge report cards, we heard that the Kansas Prisoner Review Board had decided not to recommend Hope Zeferjohn, a child sex trafficking victim, for a pardon. After […]

Shared Hope had the opportunity to attend SPACE International’s Women of Color Against the Sex Trade panel discussions co-hosted last week by Coalition Against Trafficking in Women and the Roosevelt House’s Human Rights program in New York and by Rights4Girls in Washington D.C. Tuesday, December 3, 2019, New York City – Brittany Peck, CEM, Training […]

During the 2019 legislative session, nine states passed[1] critical legal reform measures to protect child sex trafficking victims from being prosecuted for prostitution, commonly referred to as “Safe Harbor” laws. However, as first pointed out in 2017, not all “Safe Harbor” laws actually insulate child sex trafficking victims from a punitive response for engaging in […]

By Geoffrey Rogers The United Nations’ estimate of nearly 27 million people around the world held in slavery through human trafficking is a statistic too mammoth for my mind to fully contemplate, so I’ll consider children…children in our own country. I have been engaged with efforts to alert Christians to this day’s pressing social issues […]

On Monday, I had the privilege of attending the New Yorkers for the Equality Model Campaign Launch hosted by The Survivor Leaders of New Yorkers for the Equality Model. New Yorkers for the Equality Model is a, “survivor-led alliance made up of more than 30 advocates, prostitution and sex trafficking survivors, and organizational partners seeking […]

Ten states raise their grade in 2019 through bipartisan, grassroots legislative advocacy The majority of states + D.C. have “A” (15) or “B” (21) grades; Maine, South Dakota are only states with “D” Tennessee receives highest grade, while Nevada sees most improvement Remaining gaps include non-criminalization of children as prostitutes and access to support services […]

Shared Hope International, Shared Hope’s JuST Response Council and the Institute to Address Commercial Sexual Exploitation at Villanova Law are pleased to announce the upcoming release on January 23, 2020 of a field guidance report on sex trafficking victim-offender intersectionality—the phenomenon of sex trafficking survivors entering the criminal justice process for allegedly engaging in sex […]

Shared Hope International is a D.C.-based NGO focused on addressing the root causes of commercial sexual exploitation for the purpose of preventing child sex trafficking in the U.S. Since our organization’s inception in 1998, we have proactively pursued and supported policies that protect the inherent right of children in the U.S. to be free from […]

Shared Hope stands with survivors of sex trafficking and opposes D.C. Bill 23-0318, Community Safety and Health Amendment Act of 2019. Supported by the lived experiences of survivors and our 20+ years of work in the field, it is indisputable that legislation to decriminalize the purchase and sale of another for sex will both perpetuate […]

By Gunnar Simonsen As we begin the final countdown to this year’s JuST Conference in Cincinnati, Ohio on October 15-17, we want to share with you strategic ways you can get the most out of it, whether you are attending or not. What Is The JuST Conference?  The JuST Conference is an unforgettable and inspiring […]

by Dr. Meagan Corrado Meagan Corrado, DSW, LCSW, will be presenting, “Storiez: Trauma Narratives with Youth” on Tuesday, October 15 at this year’s JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Visit justconference.org/just2019 to review our workshop agenda and for more information on how to register.  Read Meagan’s blog post below: [clear-line] In a world […]

By Natasha Paradeshi Natasha Paradeshi, MPP will be presenting, “Importance of the Drop-In Center Model in Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking” on Tuesday, October 15 at this year’s JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Visit justconference.org/just2019 to review our workshop agenda and for more information on how to register. Read Natasha’s blog post below: […]

Jennifer Swets will be presenting, “Effects of Trauma on the Mind, Body and Soul and How Movement and Meditation Facilitates Healing” on Tuesday, October 15 at this year’s JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Visit justconference.org/just2019 to review our workshop agenda and for more information on how to register. Read Jennifer’s blog below: Effects […]

By: Marissa Gunther, Director of Growth Strategies, Shared Hope International As I prepared this announcement for Shared Hope’s Internet Safety Series, the children in your life were on my mind. And, transparently, I have a son of my own. He turned eight earlier this month. He is curious, creative, and energetic – imagine a walking, […]

We are excited to announce that Marian Hatcher and John Pulley will be joining us on the JuST Conference plenary stage as our closing plenary! Marian and John will be presenting, Conversation with a Reformed Buyer – “I Represent the Worst of What Happened to You” on Thursday, October 17 at this year’s JuST (Juvenile […]

“Ripples. When you create a difference in someone’s life, you not only impact their life, you impact everyone influenced by them throughout their entire lifetime. No act is ever too small. One by one, that is how to make an ocean rise.” –Danielle Doby, Author   Eight months ago, we learned that Cyntoia Brown, a […]

By Marissa Gunther, Director of Growth Strategies, Shared Hope International For the 6th consecutive year, Shared Hope International has achieved the coveted four-star rating from Charity Navigator, the nation’s largest independent evaluator of charities. Following a thoroughly comprehensive review, Shared Hope earned 92.73 points out of 100 overall for the Fiscal Year 2018. So what […]

By Marissa Gunther, Director of Growth Strategies, Shared Hope International Perhaps you’re familiar with the fable of the man and the river? The story is commonly told like this: A man sits peacefully on a grassy slope that rolls into a river’s edge, his family picnicking and playing nearby. As he listens to his children’s […]

Octavis Lampkin will be presenting, “Victim or Offender? Peer Recruitment and Drug Trafficking within the Sex Trafficking Experience” with Sue Aboul-Hosn, BSSW, CPSW, Regional Human Trafficking Coordinator, Florida Department of Children and Families, on Tuesday, October 15 at this year’s JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) Conference in Cincinnati, OH. Visit justconference.org/just2019 to review our workshop agenda and […]

By Nancy Winston, Vice President, Shared Hope International Each year at this time the TIP report lands with a thud.  The huge undertaking by the U.S. Department of State to define the state of human trafficking world wide used to represent a couple pounds of paper on my desk and now is a virtual thud […]

Since 2011, Shared Hope International has been grading state laws related to the commercial sexual exploitation of children under the Protected Innocence Challenge Legislative Framework, which establishes the basic policy principles required to comprehensively address child sex trafficking under six key areas of law: Criminalization of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Criminal Provisions Addressing Demand Criminal […]

By Matthew Quandt, Legal Fellow Today, the U.S. Department of State released the 19th annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report.  Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who was joined by John Cotton Richmond, the Ambassador-at-Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking-in-Persons, and Ivanka Trump, Advisor to the President, honored 8 individuals as TIP Report Heroes in recognition for their […]

We are excited to announce that we have invited Russell and Myra Strand to join us again on the JuST Conference plenary stage, this time as our Opening Keynote! Russell and Myra will be presenting, An Intersectional Response to Victims from Marginalized Communities on Tuesday, October 15 at this year’s JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) Conference […]

By: Ambassador Bridget Crawford You ever had a little person, maybe your own child pulling on your clothing in an attempt to get your attention? Or maybe they put their small innocent hand inside of yours, prompting you to follow? That familiar tug is what I felt when I began to hear about the reality […]

We are celebrating! Legislative sessions are wrapping up in states around the country and we have great news. Many of the bills you advocated for have passed: Utah HB 20 comprehensively strengthens the state’s response to child sex trafficking. Utah HB 108 strengthens the state’s existing non-criminalization laws to ensure that youth engaged in commercial sex […]

In February, Kansas Judge Michael Gibbens came under fire in national news for claiming that two girls, ages 13 and 14, acted as “aggressors” in a situation of exploitation in which a 67-year-old male, Eugene Soden, paid them to have sex. While public reaction to Gibbens ruling was appropriately harsh, the reality is that his […]

She had an idea, and followed it! You start with your first invitation, and someone in the audience asks you to come to their group, and someone there asks you to their school, and the ripples multiply until you have to build a local team of Ambassadors to keep up! As a new member of […]

        Joint Statement by Shared Hope International and Center for Combating Human Trafficking on Sentencing by Kansas Judge Michael Gibbens Under Federal and Kansas state law, persons who purchase sex from minors commit child sex trafficking; in fact, Kansas law specifically criminalizes such conduct as “Aggravated Human Trafficking.” Therefore, by definition, minors […]

There is a lot of work and time required of Ambassadors as they support the work of Shared Hope in communities across the nation. Regional Coordinator, Amy Ryan Rued, and her husband, Jack, work closely with the Ohio Ambassadors, and specifically Greg Pace: “Here in central Ohio we do everything we can to create speaking opportunities. With each […]

This year the 2019 JuST (Juvenile Sex Trafficking) Conference will be hosted October 15 – 17 Cincinnati, OH! In the center of Cincinnati, a few blocks from beautiful views of the Ohio river, we’ll gather anti-trafficking professionals, experts and advocates from around the country for 3 days of inspiring and empowering training. Interested in contributing […]

As a part of Human Trafficking Awareness we want to bring you the stories of Ambassadors of Hope, our trained volunteers, who are working hard on the ground to prevent sex trafficking. Follow our series, releasing every Tuesday this month! You can apply to become an Ambassador here.   [easy-tweet tweet=”Follow our series on Ambassadors […]

Giving Tuesday is here! We hope you’ll take part in this tremendous day of global giving on behalf of children like Ajay. As a little boy, he had no hope. Dreams of a future? Not for this little Nepalese child. School wasn’t an option … and he had to keep his mind focused on merely surviving. […]

On November 16 we released the 2018 Protected Innocence Challenge State Grades. This year, with our new tools, you can be a grassroots hero by sharing your state grade with your legislator! Click the Take Action button to visit our new Advocacy Action Center to tweet your legislator. If you don’t have a Twitter account, you also have the opportunity to share […]

PRESS RELEASE On the heels of a divisive mid-term election, a new report released today by Shared Hope International reveals an encouraging bi-partisan trend: individuals are coming together to fight child sex trafficking.  Shared Hope’s annual Protected Innocence Challenge State Grades analyzes state laws to protect juvenile sex trafficking survivors and hold buyers and traffickers […]

In 2017, South Dakota passed a groundbreaking law to ensure survivors of sex trafficking, ages 16 and under, are protected from criminalization.  This effort began two years ago when Becky Rassmussen, Executive Director of Call to Freedom, an awareness-raising and survivor-serving organization, recognized the important perspective she could bring to the legislative process. Seeking to […]

Around 1,080 professionals, advocates and leaders in the anti-trafficking field joined us this year at the 2018 JuST Conference, October 16-18 in San Diego, CA. San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan gave us a warm welcome to San Diego, sharing opening remarks before the keynote. We networked, collaborated and learned with: 28 Exhibitor/Vendor Organizations, […]

Shared Hope International is pleased to announce this year’s Pathbreaker Award Recipients, District Attorney Summer Stephan, The Honorable Robert Lung, and in memoriam, Shared Hope Co-Founder Vernon Smith. Plan to join us on facebook live at 1:15 PT on Wednesday, October 17 to watch the presentation of the awards live from San Diego at the 2018 […]

By Aliz Nagyvaradi I am grateful and humbled for the learning opportunity Shared Hope provided me this summer. It would not be an exaggeration to say that it has been truly impactful experience. Shared Hope has a 20-year history in the anti-trafficking field and its enduring presence makes it a leader in the field. As […]

We’ve kept the secret long enough… this year’s inspirational keynote speaker will be Leslie Briner, MSW, Consultant, YouthCare. [easy-tweet tweet=”This year’s inspirational JuST Conference keynote speaker will be Leslie Briner, MSW, Consultant, YouthCare!” user=”SharedHOpe” hashtags=”JuST18″] For over 20 years, Leslie Briner has served families experiencing homelessness, youth with developmental disabilities, youth in the foster care system and, […]

Over the past 7 years of the Protected Innocence Challenge, states have made substantial progress – 47 states have raised their grade, and while the majority of states were failing in 2011, there are no longer any states with a failing grade and 30 states now have an “A” or “B” grade. By closing gaps […]

By Christine Erickson, Director, Children-at-Risk “OneLess” Ministry Grace Church - Eden Prairie, MN Biblical Justice & Social Justice Is there a difference? Selling a human being. Abusing a child. Stealing from a widow. Most, if not all of us, would agree that using force or fraud to exploit the vulnerable is evil. We carry within [...]

**This is the sixth guest blog in a series of posts by the 2018 JuST Faith Summit speakers. Check back for new posts highlighting the critical topics that will be featured at this year’s Faith Summit. Join us, June 20-22 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for this exciting Summit. Visit this link to see the full agenda […]

**This is the fifth guest blog in a series of posts by the 2018 JuST Faith Summit speakers. Check back for new posts highlighting the critical topics that will be featured at this year’s Faith Summit. Join us, June 20-22 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for this exciting Summit. Visit this link to see the full agenda […]

Pairing Faith-Based and Private Agencies for Hope and Healing **This is the fourth guest blog in a series of posts by the 2018 JuST Faith Summit speakers. Check back for new posts highlighting the critical topics that will be featured at this year’s Faith Summit. Join us, June 20-22 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for […]

**This is the third guest blog in a series of posts by the 2018 JuST Faith Summit speakers. Check back for new posts highlighting the critical topics that will be featured at this year’s Faith Summit. Join us, June 20-22 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for this exciting Summit. Visit this link to see the full agenda […]

**This is the second guest blog in a series of posts by the 2018 JuST Faith Summit speakers. Check back for new posts highlighting the critical topics that will be featured at this year’s Faith Summit. Join us, June 20-22 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for this exciting Summit. Visit this link to see the full agenda […]

Today, with the President’s signing of H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, also known as FOSTA-SESTA, anti-trafficking advocates and survivors of sex trafficking and their families celebrate this long awaited progress in the effort to combat online sex trafficking. Today’s bill signing comes days after federal agencies seized […]

**This is the first guest blog in a series of posts by the 2018 JuST Faith Summit speakers. Check back for new posts highlighting the critical topics that will be featured at this year’s Faith Summit. Join us, June 20-22 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota, for this exciting Summit. Visit this link to […]

l In many ways this is a continuation of a long fight against online facilitation of sex trafficking which goes back more than a decade. In 2007, Shared Hope International’s (SHI) Center for Justice & Advocacy, produced one of the first research reports documenting websites’ role in facilitating the crime of sex trafficking. After studying […]

WASHINGTON, D.C., Today the Senate passed H.R. 1865, the FOSTA-SESTA package, which provides access to justice for survivors of online sex trafficking and gives states critical tools for combatting this crime. This is a historic step by the US legislature to recognize the rights of victims by ensuring that websites who knowingly facilitate the sale […]

A  national epidemic has been ignored for too long, a dark addiction fueled by instant access to pornography, spawning a commercial sex industry that is consuming our children. And everyone pays the price—the child whose innocence is stolen, the man who can’t overcome his addiction, and the society that bears the loss of both. Our world […]

Another year has passed and today, on International Women’s Day, we should ask ourselves how much progress has been made since last year? Each International Women’s Day, we’re challenged as a global community to honor, empower, and center women in our discussions and actions. And this year, like every year prior, we should ask ourselves […]

Linda Smith, Shared Hope’s Founder and President appeared this week on Family Talk with Dr. James Dobson. Stream the episode below! Tune in to Listen Here Sex trafficking is an atrocious global problem that is destroying the lives of many women and children. Now on Family Talk, Dr. Dobson will talk with former U.S. Congresswoman […]

We’ve had over 100 applications to speak at the Faith Summit this year! While we’re still finalizing our agenda, we are excited to give you a sneak peak of a few of our speakers! Early bird registration closes in 28 days, so don’t wait to register! You won’t want to miss our inspiring list of speakers this year! CLICK TO REGISTER […]

 The present danger of sex trafficking is in every community across the nation, and it may be in your town. But we believe in a mighty God and in His promises of hope for us! All we have to do is watch the evening news to see the increasing darkness in our world. It can feel […]

We are excited to announce that the Keynote Address at the JuST Faith Summit 2018 will be Eric Metaxas #1 New York Times bestselling author!  Eric is the author of numerous books including of Bonhoeffer and Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery. His most recently published work is Martin Luther.  His biographies, children’s books, and works […]

It would be difficult to name anyone more qualified to receive Shared Hope’s Lifetime Pathbreaker Award than U.S. Representative Chris Smith (NJ), a man with a long and consistent history of advocating for the vulnerable around the world. Serving since 1980, Congressman Smith was a lone voice breaking the silence on the topic of human […]

By: Alisa Bernard, Survivor Advocacy Coordinator, The Organization for Prostitution Survivors I am of the technology generation. I was born the same year the cell phone was invented and Macintosh Apple made its debut. I never knew a time when a computer was not an accessible tool. We live in a time where computers the size […]

We’re thrilled to announce the 2018 Faith Summit! Join us June 20-22, 2018 at Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota! This unforgettable and energizing three-day summit, is loaded with inspiring speakers and educational workshops, all designed to prepare you with practical knowledge and effective action steps to protect the children in your own community. Whether you are a student, pastor, lay […]

Q: How did we get here? Could the Communications Decency Act have been drafted differently to avoid this problem? It is very important to understand the history of the CDA and that puts in context the SESTA proposal as a mere clarification of what the CDA was meant to do in 1996 when drafted, and […]

Q: We keep hearing that passing these bills will end the internet as we know it? What do you think of these claims? These claims are misplaced.   For example, the Senate bill is a 4 page bill that simply clarifies how the CDA (passed in 1996) is affected by the TVPA, which was passed 4 […]

“Sex trafficking, like all social problems, requires a comprehensive response from many quarters.” By Mary G. Leary, Professor of Law, Catholic University of America, Shea Rhodes, Director of Villanova Law School’s Institute to Address Commercial Exploitation, Chad Flanders, Professor of Criminal Law and Constitutional Law Scholar, St. Louis University, and Audrey Rogers, Professor of Criminal Law and […]

Dear Senator Portman and Senator Blumenthal, A couple of decades ago sex traffickers and buyers conducted their illegal transactions in dark alleys and back streets. Today these criminal transactions have moved online. Although the location has changed, the crime remains the same and so must our response to those who facilitate and enable it. In […]

Today, the United States Senate Committee on Foreign Relations held an annual hearing with representatives from the U.S. Department of State to review the 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report. The State Department released the TIP Report on June 27th, where Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called for a “shared hope” among stakeholders that the 21st […]

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) Today the House of Representatives passed HR 2200 the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017 (TVPRA). This important legislation was sponsored by Representative Chris Smith—author of the original Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 and the 2016 recipient of Shared Hope’s Lifetime Pathbreaker Award—along with lead co-sponsor Karen […]

In his unabated championship for marginalized people, Representative Chris Smith last week led a human rights effort to highlight human trafficking at the 2017 Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe Parliamentary Assembly in Minsk, underscoring why Shared Hope International awarded him our Lifetime Pathbreaker Award in 2016. Congressman Smith is only the 2nd individual to earn […]

This week we are interviewing Natasha Nascimento, Founder & Executive Director of Redefining Refuge as a part of their graduation from our Partner Grant Program! Read the first and second part of their story and check back later this week for the rest of their story! Q: What was your favorite part about being a Shared Hope partner? A: There have […]

This week we are interviewing Natasha Nascimento, Founder & Executive Director of Redefining Refuge as a part of their graduation from our Partner Grant Program! Read the first part of their story and check back Wednesday and Friday for more. Today Natashsa shares the ups and downs of starting a safe house.  She shares that despite all […]

Every year Shared Hope works in partnership with domestic and international partners, giving them grants to fund their direct service work with survivors and offer them technical support. This year we are graduating 3 organizations from our grant program and want to share with you their journeys! This week we are interviewing Natasha Nascimento, Founder […]

Mission 21 shares the story of Andrea, one of the survivors they served during the organization’s time in the Shared Hope Partners Program. Read Monday  and Wednesday’s post to catch up on the rest of the Mission 21 story as they graduate from our Partners Program! When Andrea was first referred to our program she was […]

Mission 21 shares the story of Tanya, one of the survivors they served during the organization’s time in the Shared Hope Partners Program. Read Monday  and Wednesday’s post to catch up on the rest of the Mission 21 story as they graduate from our Partners Program! The whole day was spent shopping for new clothing for […]

This week we are interviewing Stephanie Holt, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Mission 21, one of the organizations that is graduating from our Partners Program! Read Monday’s post and watch for the last post on Friday featuring the rest of the Mission 21 story! What was your favorite part about being a Shared Hope partner? I remember vividly […]

Every year Shared Hope works in partnership with domestic and international partners, giving them grants to fund their direct service work with survivors and offer them technical support. This year we are graduating 3 organizations from our grant program and want to share with you their journeys! This week we are interviewing Stephanie Holt, Executive Director […]

Karen Lambie felt driven to do something to “give back” to society after retiring from teaching. Her online research into children’s rights issues brought her across the sex trafficking of children. Like so many of the people in our audiences, she was shocked to discover its rampancy in the United States and in her own home state of […]

The story of one’s man impact on multiple generations Supper wasn’t a hurried affair when Malcolm Burnett was growing up in the small town of Camas, Washington. It was a family time—a time for the adults to talk and the children to listen and keep quiet. Suppertime conversations at the Burnett family table revolved around […]

Chifonne, one of our Ambassadors of Hope shares her story!  When I first heard about sex trafficking, I was probably 12 years old. It was the very early days of Shared Hope, not long after Linda Smith had been to India, and she shared at a local event where my mom heard what Linda saw and […]

“We have to shift from panicking mode to planning mode.” These wise words, by the Ambassador, Permanent Observer of Italy to the OAS, Marilina Armellin, were spoken at a trafficking event hosted by the Organization of American States (OAS) which Shared Hope attended this week. During the event we learned that most countries in South […]

My daughter was 10 the first time I heard that children were being bought and sold for sex in my community. These weren’t foreign children born in a foreign country, they were boys and girls born and raised right here in my own town. That day changed me. Being a business leader gave me a […]

Help us advocate in the 24 remaining states and finish strong! On January 20th, the Center for Law and Policy launched “Stop the inJuSTice Campaign” to mobilize state legislatures to pass laws that holder buyers accountable and increase victim protections. We set an initial goal of supporting the passage of 6 bills in 6 months. […]

Tomorrow morning, Tuesday, April 25th the Public Safety committee of the California Assembly will hold a hearing on Assembly Bill 1402.  You can listen to the hearing here live, beginning at 8:30 AM PT. California’s SB 1322 went into effect on January 1. This bill not only sparked a fiery discussion centered on one op-ed, […]

Nine states are working on laws this year to ensure that the definition of child abuse includes the crime of child sex trafficking.  You can take action to support these bills!  See the list of those 9 states below. Why does this definition matter? As a nation, comprised of both federal and autonomously-acting state law, […]

Good News – “Bonnes Nouvelles” The Louisiana Spirit is one of hospitality, celebration and support for their fellow neighbor. Since we announced our new location, locals have been reaching out nonstop to welcome us all to their great state. That spirit of excitement is infectious, and Shared Hope wants to pass it along to each of […]

Texas State Senator Zaffirini’s proposed Senate Bill seeks to require the Texas State Board of Education to develop a training program and curriculum on sex trafficking prevention to be included as part of a school district’s health curriculum. The creation of this curriculum not only creates vital information-access points for children, it requires educators and […]

Wrestling with the intersectionality of language and response As lawyers and activists, Shared Hope’s Policy Team is frequently fielding the question, “Why does it matter?” “Why does it matter what language we use?” “Why does it matter who responds to the plight of a trafficked child?” “Why does this specific law matter?” These questions are […]

On January 27th, Shared Hope launched the Stop the InJuSTice campaign to advocate for state laws that prioritize victim protection and buyer accountability. Since the Protected Innocence Challenge (PIC) commenced in 2011, state action on domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) has increased exponentially. Shared Hope has worked with over half of the U.S. states to […]

Opening in Theaters Friday, February 10th I Am Jane Doe chronicles the epic battle that several American mothers are waging on behalf of their middle-school daughters, victims of sex-trafficking on Backpage.com, the adult classifieds section that for years was part of the Village Voice.  These mothers have stood up on behalf of thousands of other […]

Since news broke that Backpage.com was shutting down the “adult services” section of its website,  reactions have ranged from joy to concern.   These reactions prompted conversations about the effectiveness of the shutdown in preventing child sex trafficking, concerns for potential detrimental effects, and questions about next steps.  We have written about our perspective on the […]

Since news broke that Backpage.com was shutting down the “adult services” section of its website,  reactions have ranged from joy to concern.   These reactions prompted conversations about the effectiveness of the shutdown in preventing child sex trafficking, concerns for potential detrimental effects, and questions about next steps.  We have written about our perspective on the […]

Some conversations are better had over a cup of Joe on a rainy day. That’s what I told the radio host when I emailed him earlier this month. He’s one of the most popular morning show hosts in America, but he’s just your everyday nice guy: humble, kind, and empathetic to his fellow man. He’s […]

Following six years of examining best practices, supporting states in enacting strong child sex trafficking laws, and engaging with legislators, survivors, concerned citizens, and professionals, we have found ourselves at the crossroads of “what gaps remain?” and “how do we fill them?”. The last six years have encompassed enormous progress in the way states are […]

We’re thrilled to announce that our 2017 JuST Conference is moving to a fun new location: New Orleans! [easy-tweet tweet=”We’re thrilled to announce the 2017 JuST Conference is moving to a fun new location: New Orleans!” user=”SharedHope”] Shared Hope is committed to offering you an improved conference experience each year. While we have loved our […]

As I grew up in the Northern Virginia area, I had no idea that children were being bought and sold for sex up and down the I-95 corridor just miles away from my childhood home and eventual college campus. I, like many people, was introduced to the issue of sex trafficking by unwittingly watching a […]

Any child in the US could be at risk of being trafficked, but a new study released this winter by the Arizona State University School of Social Work, and funded by the McCain Institute for International Leadership, highlights youth who face multiple vulnerabilities putting them at high risk for trafficking. Homeless Arizona young adults, ages […]

Sometimes grassroots activists feel like they aren’t having a huge impact. Let me share two stories that may motivate you to keep on keeping on! In 2009 there was a presentation on sex trafficking at the WA state criminal justice training center – a relatively new topic to the general public at the time. The […]

Overnight, Backpage.com announced the shutdown of its “adult services” section of the classifieds website.  This announcement came on the eve of Backpage.com’s executives and general counsel appearing at a hearing today before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations (PSI) to answer questions about the committee’s report stating that Backpage.com knowingly posted advertisements for the sale of sex […]

New law in line with national movement to protect juvenile sex trafficking victims California’s SB 1322 went into effect on January 1.  This bill not only sparked a fiery discussion centered on one op-ed, it also led Assemblyman Travis Allen to introduce AB 1402 for purposes of repealing SB 1322. Contrary to sensational statements that SB […]

In September 2016, a community event was held in Vancouver, Washington, to educate the public about the signs of trafficking and how to protect our children. It was held in a church on NE 78th Street, and was attended by several law enforcement officers.  But it wasn’t just any church, and it wasn’t just any […]

Like many minor victims of sex trafficking, Sofia* felt isolated and unsure, but adding to her anxiety was her inability to speak English; she simply couldn’t understand the help offered by the Department of Child and Family Services.  This is when the department reached out to Saving Innocence, a survivor assistance program supported in part […]

Reshma was little more than a child herself when she was lured from her remote village in Nepal to Kathmandu— then enslaved by a bar owner who sold girls for sex along with the drinks.  Soon she found she was pregnant…and regardless of the means, she was in love with the baby she carried.  Friendless and […]

Here are a few simple ways to give back on #GivingTuesday to support the life-saving work of Shared Hope International.  1) Amazon Smile Knock out that Christmas shopping AND donate to Shared Hope! When you start your shopping at smile.amazon.com, you get the same prices as the regular Amazon.com, and Amazon donates 0.5% of your […]

WASHINGTON, D.C., Every state now has a law covering child sex trafficking according to an annual State Report Card released by Shared Hope International (SHI), the only U.S. NGO working in every state to end child sex trafficking through legal reform. “But kids can still be prosecuted as criminals in 31 states because law has […]

Today at the annual conference for the National Foundation of Women Legislators the members passed an important resolution on child sex trafficking. Shared Hope International has worked with NFWL to craft a resolution that addresses the key issues currently confronting legislators responding to child sex trafficking victims. You can read the whole resolution below. Resolution […]

Shared Hope International is pleased to announce Michelle Guymon and Margie Quin as the 2016 Pathbreaker Award Honorees. About the Award In 2000, the U.S. Department of State enlisted Shared Hope International to host Pathbreaking Strategies conferences in six countries to energize the conversation about trafficking and share innovative approaches to combat the problem. During this […]

I was recently asked to serve as a Special Advisor to the President of Shared Hope International, Congresswoman Linda Smith, a request I easily accepted.   I met Linda when she came to Congress in 1995.  At the time, I was the President and CEO of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ernie Allen, widely recognized expert on child protection and former CEO and co-founder of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) joins Shared Hope International today as Special Advisor to the President.  This alignment brings together two prominent voices in the fight to protect children from commercial sexual exploitation both […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ernie Allen, widely recognized expert on child protection and former CEO and co-founder of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) joins Shared Hope International today as Special Advisor to the President.  This alignment brings together two prominent voices in the fight to protect children from commercial sexual exploitation both […]

On Thursday, news broke that Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was arrested in Texas (on a California warrant) on felony charges of pimping a minor.  It’s about time. It is rare to read a press release now that doesn’t mention Backpage.com as a factor in a child sex trafficking arrest. In fact, Shared Hope has tracked […]

By Lisa Conn Akoni, MA, MFT; Rita McGaw, MS, MFT; Carrick Adam, MD, MSPH Over the past few years, several of us from different county agencies have traveled to conventions, workshops, seminars, and trainings, learned from survivors, attended meet-and-greets, etc., and came to one central conclusion… The only way we will be effective in delivering […]

Copyrighted Content ã By Marti MacGibbon, CADC-II, ACRPS Attitude is everything. Gratitude is the ultimate attitude adjustment. Since 2000, psychologists have conducted numerous studies on the effect and benefits of gratitude. Gratitude, it turns out, is a very powerful and often overlooked emotion. In the words of Cicero, the ancient Roman philosopher, “Gratitude is not […]

pre·ven·tion – prəˈven(t)SH(ə)n/ noun – the action of stopping something from happening or arising. A study in Minnesota shows a benefit cost analysis for providing preventative and early intervention methods quantified at $34 to $1. For every $1 we spend on preventative measures for young adolescent females at risk for sexual abuse/trafficking, we will save […]

  By Rose Mukhar, JD, Justice At Last Imagine that you are an 11-year-old girl being sex trafficked by your parents.  Or, that you are a 15-year-old boy trading sex for food and a place to stay.  Or instead, that you are a 17-year-old girl willingly in “the life” to show loyalty to your gang.  […]

A bill sits on Governor Jerry Brown’s desk designed to address the sex trafficking of children in California. While many people have joined the cause to fight sex trafficking abroad, few realize that it occurs in their own neighborhoods. Who would think that California, the land of sunshine, natural beauty, and “good vibes,” hides a […]

For four long years, Stephanie wasn’t even allowed to use her own name. She was only known by the name her trafficker gave her when he first enslaved her. She was only 13 years old at the time. “He said I was no longer that girl with my old family,” Stephanie remembers, “No longer a […]

By Iona Rudisill, Baltimore Child Abuse Center Trafficking of youth has been occurring for decades and centuries. Regardless of the Emancipation Proclamation being enacted in 1863, the reality is slavery never stopped.  That is exactly what juvenile sex trafficking is: the slavery and bondage of innocent youth for the pleasure and commercial exploitation of others.  […]

Copyrighted Content © By Marti MacGibbon, CADC-II, ACRPS Here’s something I learned from years of performing standup in clubs, colleges, auditoriums, and a federal penitentiary: Standup is metaphor for life. It’s tough, thrilling, often painful, often fun, always rewarding. And in standup, as in life, there are myriad things that are completely beyond your control. You […]

By Mary Knight, MSW About the creator: Mary Knight, Filmmaker and Survivor reveals the role a church played in her trafficking as a young girl.  This blog post was originally part of our 2016 JuST Conference Speaker Blog Series.

By Lisa Cruz, RN-C MNN Dissociative Identity Disorder is commonly called Multiple Personality Disorder. The disorder is generally misunderstood and often sensationally or inaccurately depicted in the media. However, did you know numerous studies have shown 1-3% of the general population meets the diagnostic criteria for Dissociative Identity Disorder? Dissociative disorders occur on a spectrum, […]

By Iona Rudisill, Baltimore Child Abuse Center I became a nurse because when I was ten years old I went to a doctor who missed the signs, and that was my last chance at telling someone about what was going on in my life. My last thought was, ‘Maybe somebody could rescue me. Maybe I […]

The Mesa City Council announced a Proclamation establishing June 26-July 2 as Human Trafficking Awareness Week in Mesa, Arizona. Mesa law enforcement and officials have taken up the fight against human trafficking, working with Shared Hope and the Arizona Anti-Trafficking Network to tackle and prevent exploitation in the City. In 2015 the Mesa Police Department […]

From Beth in California As an Ambassador for Shared Hope International in the Bay Area of California, I have found that those most interested in having awareness presentations are church groups, so the Faith in Action Kits resonates with their interest. I was privileged to have been sponsored by the United Methodist Women (UMW), California-Nevada […]

A Guest Post from Shannon in Virginia. When I became an Ambassador of Hope, I was passionate about spreading awareness of trafficking in my native state of West Virginia. Nestled in the Appalachian Mountains, surrounded by rich natural and cultural resources, it is easy to feel you are far away from the rest of the […]

A Post from Stephanie Tynan. No life is worth another man’s profit. I had heard about sex-trafficking before I stumbled upon Shared Hope International’s website; I knew that this devastating crime existed in our world. But what I didn’t know, was how sex-trafficking is an international, multi-billion-dollar industry that is so corrupt, so heartless and […]

by Karen Morris, LP, NCPsyA Linda Smith’s account of her encounters on Falkland Road in Mumbai, in Renting Lacy, brought me to tears in a way I thought would never stop. I was as George Harrison wrote, “drowning in the tears of the world.” I knew then I had to stop tuning out the pervasive […]

By Beth Edmonds Yesterday I was listening while driving to the NPR talk  show:Ted Radio Hour featuring Maslow’s Human Needs.  I’ve been fascinated with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and often feel it’s intended to flow from the “bottom-up” with not just an individual person at its crux, but as a “we the people” all needing […]

What Motivates our Ambassadors? We asked this question of several Ambassadors across the nation, and here’s one story: A few years ago was the first time I came face to face with human trafficking. My family had the opportunity to live in Italy for my husband’s work. I began to notice women standing by the […]

As part of our Regional Collaboration Project, on Wednesday afternoon, May 18 at 3:00pm (Eastern), Shared Hope International will host a national briefing call on proactive, collaborative approaches to combatting human trafficking during large events, such as collegiate and professional sporting events or conventions. As cities across the U.S. host large events, leaders benefit from […]

With the race to the White House in full swing, the leaders of various anti-trafficking organizations, faith-based organizations, clergy, etc., are calling on the future President to make anti-trafficking measures a top priority in their term. Generation Freedom is asking the candidates, if they are elected President, to allocate three billion dollars of their budget […]

During the 2016 legislative sessions this year, at least 10 states have introduced legislation that would protect a child from being blamed for their own commercial sexual exploitation, meaning that prostitution offenses would not apply to minors. As of August 1, 2015, 14 states and DC had already enacted full non-criminalization provisions to prevent prosecution […]

by Dan Sartor In April of 2016, Shared Hope International will host its first JuST Faith Summit in Orlando, rallying faith communities to join the mission to eradicate sex trafficking.  As a person of faith I see great potential for diverse individuals from an array of backgrounds—geographic, cultural, socioeconomic, and religious—unifying to address what is […]

Guest Post by Ashley Macdonald While anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, Shared Hope recognizes that traffickers target susceptible individuals. Financial instability is among the vulnerabilities that can aid a victim to fall in to the horrors of human trafficking. Shared Hope International’s Women’s Investment Network (WIN) program offers women the opportunity to […]

Guest Post by Shea M. Rhodes, Esq Commercial sexual exploitation can be viewed, simply, as a two-part system: supply and demand. Under an economic theory, supply (prostituted persons) follows demand (purchasers of sex). In theory, one would surmise that if demand could be eliminated, commercial sexual exploitation would cease to exist. In order to refocus […]

Guest Blogger: Jo Lembo My husband Nick and I go out regularly representing Shared Hope International’s message of prevention.  When we are invited into area schools, we use the film Chosen, which tells the story of two girls, ages 13 and 18, who broke the stereotypical at-risk youth picture.  They were from good homes, straight-A […]

Guest Blogger: Christian Lenty There have been many times people have approached me about wanting to go to the red light district with the objective of talking to the men who go there in search of some form of entertainment. Their objective is to try to change these men’s behavior and/or mindset toward the women […]

Commercial sexual exploitation can be viewed, simply, as a two-part system: supply and demand. Under an economic theory, supply (prostituted persons) follows demand (purchasers of sex). In theory, one would surmise that if demand could be eliminated, commercial sexual exploitation would cease to exist. In order to refocus efforts on eliminating the demand, society must […]

Guest Blogger: Lexie Smith I am sure my new youth pastor never expected the words that came out of my mouth. It was evident by his slightly dropped jaw and wide eyes toward his wife. Never in a million years did anyone suspect that one of the most involved families could be so broken and […]

Identifying Effective Counter-Trafficking Programs and Practices in the U.S.: Legislative, Legal, and Public Opinion Strategies that Work is a recent study that examines arrests or prosecutions under state human trafficking laws and public perceptions of human trafficking. The key findings in this study point to the need for comprehensive legislation that goes beyond criminal penalties […]

Guest Blogger Jay McKenney I remember the first time I heard the phrase “sex trafficking.” I didn’t quite understand it. When I did hear what it meant I saw it as happening somewhere else, far away from my life or ability to do anything about it. About 10 years ago someone told me it happens […]

Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission Briefing In Conjunction With Exodus Cry and Shared Hope International The Demand Factor in the Global Sex Trade: Human Trafficking as a Human Rights Crisis This event is in the past.  Please watch the video above or read the transcript. Tuesday, March 1, 2016 2255 Rayburn House Office Building Washington, […]

On January 19 and 20, Shared Hope International will return to Focus on the Family radio network. Our 2-part series, Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know, was selected for the Best of 2015 lineup, airing this month. We invite you to  tune in, and invite everyone you know to tune in as well. Recently, Focus […]

A national epidemic has been ignored for too long, a dark addiction fueled by instant access to pornography, spawning a commercial sex industry that is consuming our children. And everyone pays the price—the child whose innocence is stolen, the man who can’t overcome his addiction, and the society that bears the loss of both. Our […]

In this season of Christmas cheer, spread a little love to Shared Hope to help us fight trafficking all year through. Here are four simple ways to donate to Shared Hope (and some won’t cost you a dime)! 1. Shop on Smile.Amazon.com When you start your shopping at smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com, you will access […]

Society is quickly outraged by reports that peacekeepers or aid workers have sexually exploited children in areas of conflict or developing regions.  This year, reports surfaced that peacekeepers in the Central African Republic elicited sex acts with young boys in exchange for food. Unfortunately, this scenario is not new. A 1996 study from the UN […]

By: Eleanor Goldberg, The Huffington Post View the original article on Huffington Post.  A number of states are cracking down on these crimes by better protecting victims, instead of criminalizing them. It remains a crime largely hidden from public view, but U.S. states are at least starting to take a more forthcoming approach to combating […]

By: Sharon Cohen, Associated Press SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — It was an anonymous two-story house with an outdoor side staircase, nothing that looked ominous to Kevin Koliner when he passed by going to and from work. On one evening stroll, the federal prosecutor heard loud noises but figured it was just a party. Later, he’d […]

Transcript: Lina Wertheimer, WUNC Interview for NPR Now we bring you some good news coming from a nonprofit group that studies the problem of child sex trafficking. A new report being released today finds many U.S. states are doing a better job of halting this crime. NPR’s justice correspondent, Carrie Johnson, got an exclusive look […]

By: Heather Sells, CBN News A national report card that grades states on their anti-trafficking laws shows dramatic progress in the last few years. Shared Hope International‘s 5th annual Protected Innocence Challenge report card, released Wednesday, reveals that half the states are earning an A or B on their report card, and none are failing. […]

By: Gaye Clark, World Magazine When the advocacy group Shared Hope released its first report card on efforts to combat sex trafficking of America’s children, 26 states received a failing grade. This year’s report card, released Wednesday, proved a surprise to Shared Hope founder, Linda Smith. “I was excited there were no Fs,” Smith said. […]

Shared Hope International Releases State Report Cards to Reveal State of Trafficking Laws in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C., Legislative advancements in 2015 scored Texas, Montana and Minnesota top spots in the nation for strongest laws to combat child sex trafficking, according to a new study by Shared Hope International. These states join Louisiana, Tennessee and Washington, […]

Shared Hope International Releases State Report Cards to Reveal State of Trafficking Laws in U.S. WASHINGTON, D.C., Michigan was named the most improved state for its laws addressing child sex trafficking, according to a new study released by Shared Hope International. The Protected Innocence Challenge, a report on the state of child sex trafficking laws […]

A New Study by Shared Hope International Shows Oregon’s Efforts May be Paying Off WASHINGTON, D.C., Portland is believed to have the highest rate of strip clubs per capita and has been dubbed “Pornland,” but a new study by Shared Hope International shows Oregon’s effort to crack down on trafficking may be paying off. According […]

A New Study by Shared Hope International Finds Critical Gaps in State Laws WASHINGTON, D.C. – Hawaii and Virginia were the last two states in the nation without a law specifically criminalizing sex trafficking; however, 2015 legislative gains in Virginia left Hawaii behind. According to a new study by Shared Hope International, Hawaii and Virginia […]

Shared Hope International Research Reveals Strongest and Weakest States in the Nation FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE WASHINGTON, D.C., A new study released by Shared Hope International finds a growing divide between states that aggressively address child sex trafficking through state laws and those with inadequate protections. The Protected Innocence Challenge, a report on the state of […]

Why Some State’s Stricter Laws Are Creating a Threat of Trafficking for Others WASHINGTON, D.C., As large events and expanding industries draw thousands of new visitors, a new study by Shared Hope International finds states like North Dakota and Montana enacted aggressive laws to confront the heightened threat of child sex trafficking while states like […]

This year Shared Hope International is proud to honor the men and women who stand bravely against the commercial sex industry. The 2015 Pathbreaker Award recipients have developed innovative strategies to combat demand, expose trafficking and seek justice.  These Pathbreakers join those of prior years who have led the fight against sex trafficking. John Cotton […]

Shared Hope International Awards Richmond for Outstanding Leadership to Curb Human Trafficking ARLINGTON, VA. – Pursing justice for human trafficking crimes is more than his life’s work; it is a passion for John Cotton Richmond. As a federal prosecutor serving as the Special Litigation Counsel with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of […]

Shared Hope International honors Sheriff Thomas Dart for dedication to fighting demand for sex trafficking ARLINGTON, VA. – Cook County Sheriff Thomas Dart is named a 2015 Pathbreaker Award recipient by Shared Hope International for his revolutionary efforts to tackle the child sex trafficking industry through a campaign of advocacy and education illustrating the use […]

ARLINGTON, VA. – Alexandra (Sandi) Pierce, Founder and President of Othayonih Research, has been named a 2015 Pathbreaker Award recipient by Shared Hope International for her outstanding leadership in exposing, addressing, and preventing domestic sex trafficking of American Indian, Alaska Native, and other girls of color. Her report, Shattered Hearts: The commercial sexual exploitation of […]

Prosecutors in Phoenix are celebrating a major victory this week after securing a guilty verdict for a man convicted under Arizona’s “child prostitution” law for attempting to buy sex with a law enforcement officer who he believed to be a 16 year old girl. According to Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, this is the first […]

Prosecutors in Phoenix are celebrating a major victory this week after securing a guilty verdict for a man convicted under Arizona’s “child prostitution” law for attempting to buy sex with a law enforcement officer who he believed to be a 16 year old girl. According to Maricopa County Attorney Bill Montgomery, this is the first […]

Recently, Sgt. Domenick Kaufman of the Mesa, Arizona Police Dept. was kind enough to talk to us about his work to combat sex trafficking in his state. Sgt. Kaufman goes into detail about his department’s current tactics and approaches and how organizations like Shared Hope and the Hickey Family Foundation have helped those efforts. --- [...]

The National Institute of Justice hosted a conference on justice-involved youth and the new science in brain development led by Attorney General Loretta Lynch and Assistant Attorney General Karol Mason, in addition to a panel of experts. Attorney General Lynch introduced a wide array of restorative programs and ideas to reduce recidivism among late teens […]

On September 3, the Washington Supreme Court issued a much anticipated order that will allow three domestic minor sex trafficking victims their day in court against Backpage.com. This marks a critical blow to the online classified giant's claims of immunity under federal law and could lead to thousands of victims gaining access to justice against [...]

About two weeks ago, Jared Fogle, famous for his Subway sandwich diet, was indicted for two serious federal sex crimes: 1) receiving and distributing child pornography and 2) traveling to engage in illicit sexual contact with a minor. (Fogle has since pleaded guilty to both offenses). Recently, public debate questioned, ”why wasn’t Fogle charged with […]

About two weeks ago, Jared Fogle, famous for his Subway sandwich diet, was indicted for two serious federal sex crimes: 1) receiving and distributing child pornography and 2) traveling to engage in illicit sexual contact with a minor. (Fogle has since pleaded guilty to both offenses). (Photo: Charlie Nye/The Star) Recently, public debate questioned, ”why [...]

John Cotton Richmond is more than a crime fighting powerhouse; he is a man of passion and conviction. As a prosecutor in the Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit at the U.S. Department of Justice, he spends his days investigating and prosecuting cases to free victims and bring the heavy hand of justice against traffickers. He travels [...]

Eliminating the Third Party Control Barrier to Identifying Juvenile Sex Trafficking Victims This paper evaluates the fundamental importance of defining sex trafficking to include all instances of commercial sexual exploitation of minors. Beyond the question of whether force, fraud or coercion was used by the offender, this discussion addresses the impact of requiring that a [...]

About this video Full video of the release of the JuST Response State System Mapping Report on March 4th, 2015. The JuST Response is a trauma informed, individualized, survivor informed and evidence-based research project. It serves to deepen knowledge of the interrelationship of statutes, systems and services in developing state level responses to juvenile sex [...]

This report represents a wealth of perspectives from over 100 provider, survivor, government, advocacy, and funding experts on emerging trends and barriers encountered in attempting to secure restorative shelter and services for juvenile sex trafficking victims and survivors. View report now or Download the report (PDF) or the Executive Summary (PDF)

This report outlines findings from the National Colloquium 2013: Juvenile Justice and Child Welfare Process and Placement for Juvenile Sex Trafficking Survivors and provides valuable insight on current trends for state child serving agency response to domestic minor sex trafficking. View the report or download the PDF

Today, the U.S. Department of State released the 15th annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This report collects information from U.S. embassies, government officials, nongovernmental and international organizations, published reports, news articles, studies and research to evaluate each country’s action  to combat trafficking through the three P’s: Prevention, Prosecution, and Protection. The Department places each country […]

Countless arrests for cases of human trafficking occur at hotels. They are the ideal locations for pimps or traffickers to bring victims because there is anonymity, they can stay for short periods of time, and buyers of sex feel comfortable using hotels. As long as hotels are seen as an anonymous and low-risk venue for [...]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express announced that the companies will no longer be a payment option on Backpage.com, an online classified site highly criticized for its role in facilitating child sex trafficking. According to Shared Hope International, 495 victims of child sex trafficking in 46 states and D.C. have been [...]

Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) Offers Human Trafficking Webinar Series for Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Service Providers Due to the coercive and abusive nature of human trafficking, it is common for victims to experience overlapping forms of victimization, particularly domestic violence and sexual assault. [...]

Without consequences for their actions, buyers continue to purchase sex and remain the driving force behind this industry.  Shared Hope releases a bold new video that features law enforcement agents and prosecutors on what it takes to mobilize to end demand! “One of the critical gaps in addressing sex trafficking is the failure to address [...]

Dear Supporters, June 30 is a big day for us. It’s the day we close the books on the previous fiscal year and put the finishing touches on our financial commitments to restoration partners for the year ahead. It’s an exciting day at the Shared Hope offices. And we start months in advance. Our program [...]

Editorial Note: After publication of this piece, Michael Kohlmeyer was declared not guilty. The jury’s previous verdict noted below was overturned by Criminal Court Judge Mark Fishburn. Reports indicate that the Nashville District Attorney’s Office plan to appeal this ruling. He wanted to buy girls “just over 8, not over 16.” That’s what Michael Kohlmeyer told […]

He wanted to buy girls "just over 8, not over 16." That’s what Michael Kohlmeyer told the person answering responses to an online ad for sex.  Thankfully for our children, the person answering the phone was actually an undercover Metro Nashville (TN) police detective. Men wanting to purchase sex with a child are, unfortunately, not [...]

Hawaii: last state without a sex trafficking law Shared Hope International, Family Programs Hawaii, Ho ‘ōla Nā Pua, and IMUAlliance have sent a letter to Hawaii Governor Ige encouraging him to allow the enactment of SB 265, which would be the state's first sex trafficking law. Learn MoreProposed Advancements for Juvenile Sex Trafficking Victims in Hawaii’s Senate Bill [...]

Dear John, We are on to you. If you pay for sex, you might get a child, and be guilty for your role in child sex trafficking– the abduction, rape, and slavery of children. So hear us when we say: If you shop for our children we will see that you get the justice you […]

Dear John, We are on to you. If you pay for sex, you might get a child, and be guilty for your role in child sex trafficking– the abduction, rape, and slavery of children. So hear us when we say: If you shop for our children we will see that you get the justice you […]

Shared Hope International Releases New Study on Demand Deterrence, Enforcement, and Justice for Victims PHOENIX, ARIZONA – Sex trafficking is a crime unlike any other. It is one of the only crimes that allows a perpetrator to criminalize the victim by paying to commit the offense. In 36 states, including Arizona, child victims of sex […]

Arlington, VA—Today, in a landmark legislative victory, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Senate package of S. 178, the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act. The bill will be sent to President Obama to be signed into law. Shared Hope International has actively supported the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act since initially introduced […]

BALTIMORE, MD (APRIL 30, 2015) - This morning, April 30, 2015, Nick Cienski, Mission 14 Founder and CEO and Under Armour Senior Director of Innovation, along with the Mission 14 and 6 Summits Challenge team at Everest Base Camp (EBC), have decided to discontinue climbing Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu as part of the 6 [...]

Providing Emergency Aid and Rebuilding Village of Hope for Women and Children In 2002,  Shared Hope built a Village of Hope, Asha Nepal (translated Hope Nepal), to serve as a permanent home for women and children who were fleeing from situations of sex trafficking.  At that time, most had been trafficked from Nepal to India [...]

Curled up on the cold tile floor of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s bathroom floor, I tried to regulate my breathing by placing my hand over my heart and humming the nursery rhythm “You are My Sunshine,” while tears poured out uncontrollably from the depths of my soul. One of my dearest […]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Arlington, VA— Shared Hope International applauds the Senate, particularly the leadership of Senators John Cornyn, Patty Murray and Harry Reid, for reaching a bi-partisan agreement that passed with a 99-0 vote and moved the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) forward to the House of Representatives. The amendment ensures that law […]

Today, after over a month of debates surrounding the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA), members of the Senate announce a bi-partisan agreement. Thankfully, Senators from both sides of the aisle repeated calls for negotiations and persevered to find a creative solution.  With the proposed amendment, critical protections for survivors contained in this important […]

By Lindsay Raynor | Capitol News Service With the passage of House Bill 1964 and Senate Bill 1188, Virginia is the final state in the nation to enact a stand-alone law against human trafficking, officials say. Both bills were passed unanimously in the General Assembly and have been signed into law by Gov. Terry McAuliffe. […]

Arlington, VA— On Wednesday, April 15, the Kids Are Not For Sale in Virginia Coalition held a joint press conference with Delegate Tim Hugo and Senator Mark Obenshain in Richmond to officially announce the enactment of HB 1964 and SB 1188, establishing Virginia’s first standalone sex trafficking law. Companion bills HB 1964 and SB 1188 […]

How can you affect others in the fight against human sex trafficking? Several years ago, Thomas Fideler became aware of sex trafficking and educated himself on the issue. Compelled to share what he was learning, Tom began hosting awareness presentations at his church. Through these presentations, Tom met Nick and Jo Lembo, associate pastors of [...]

Arlington, VA— Today, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe signed SB 1188 and HB 1964 into law, officially establishing Virginia’s first standalone sex trafficking law. “This is a landmark legislative victory for Virginia which until today, was the only state in the nation without a human trafficking law,” Linda Smith, President and Founder of Shared Hope International […]

The JuST Response Report: Analyzing state statutory protective responses Shared Hope International’s JuST Response is a survivor informed, protection-oriented research project that combines research on services for domestic minor sex trafficking victims with an analysis of state statutory protective responses. It serves to deepen knowledge of the interrelationship of statutes, systems, and services in developing […]

Thank you! On March 4, 2015 Shared Hope International convened the inaugural Experts Council meeting and previewed the 2015 JuST Response State System Mapping Report. The event was a success and we extend our thanks to those who attended in-person or via webcast. #JuSTResponse on Twitter Thank you everyone who joined us today for webcast [...]

Arlington, VA—Today the Virginia General Assembly unanimously passed legislation which would establish Virginia’s first standalone sex trafficking law.  Currently, Virginia is the only state in the nation without a human trafficking law. Without a sex trafficking law in place, Virginia law enforcement and prosecutors have had to rely on substitute laws and makeshift strategies to […]

Discussion on Support On January 30, 2015, the American Youth and Policy Forum (AYPF) held a panel discussing the issue of foster care children emerging from the system at 18 and how organizations and departments in the United States can go about helping to prepare and support them during the transition. The panel included Michael […]

An Unforgettable Announcement Students at Grand Canyon University view the doll box installation on campus. Last week Shared Hope International was in Phoenix to raise awareness about child sex trafficking through the “Children Aren’t Playthings” doll box campaign. We used the national spotlight on Phoenix and the Super Bowl to bring an unforgettable announcement that [...]

An Urgent Appeal Today, every woman Senator in Congress (20 in total) urged the Senate Judiciary Committee to hold a hearing as soon as possible on the virulent issue of sex trafficking in the United States. “…there is widespread recognition that the federal government needs to do more to combat sex trafficking.” The 20 Senators [...]

Shared Hope International brings sex trafficking awareness campaign to Phoenix to highlight issue during Super Bowl WASHINGTON, D.C., Shared Hope International will erect a seven-foot tall pink doll box with the message “Children Aren’t Playthings” at Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Glendale Community College, and downtown Phoenix to raise awareness of child sex trafficking, specifically […]

Millions Being Trafficked As you read this, millions of women, men and children around the world are subject to the harsh reality of being trafficked. Awareness of human trafficking has gathered momentum in recent years and is now one of the key issues being addressed by governmental bodies both internationally and in the United States. In [...]

The House Judiciary Committee has a markup scheduled for this Wednesday at 10:30am at 2141 Rayburn House Office Building on key human trafficking bills supported by Shared Hope. All of these bills passed the House in the 113th Congress and support is needed to ensure passage again. We will be tweeting and posting updates as [...]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Weinberg Harris & Associates kbowers@weinbergharris.com (o) 410.243.1333 x 231 (c) 443.956.9422 BREAKING RECORDS AND RAISING AWARENESS, MISSION 14 FIGHTS HUMAN TRAFFICKING BY CLIMBING SIX OF THE WORLD’S HIGHEST MOUNTAINS —Non-Profit Group Takes Up the Fight Against Modern-Day Slavery by Attempting a Massive Challenge– BALTIMORE, MD (January 20, 2015) – There are more […]

In recalling today the incredible work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. we are also reminded of both how far we have come and how far we have to go in the fight to end oppression and restore human dignity to the millions who still suffer under injustice and slavery. “Our lives begin to end […]

Help end domestic minor sex trafficking at Super Bowl XLIX in Arizona Recently we posted a letter and petition on demandingjustice.org encouraging the 15 County Attorney’s Offices in Arizona to ensure prosecutions of buyers of sex with children are made a priority. The goal of the petition is to bring a unified front to enforce zero tolerance for child [...]

We are happy to announce that Shared Hope’s two-day Focus on the Family audio broadcast entitled “Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know” is airing on Thursday, Jan. 8th and Friday, Jan 9th, 2015! The streaming audio of this broadcast appears on Focus on the Family’s Broadcast page (www.focusonthefamily.com/radio). On the broadcast page, look for the Focus “Station […]

[clear-line] Archives – 2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 [clear-line] Jul. 21: Bulletin Online – Norwich group works to put spotlight on human trafficking in region Jun. 29: WHSV-TV – Virginia Targets Sex Trafficking Jun. 10: WFIL 560AM/Philadelphia – Could Your Daughter be Trafficked? Mar. 31: Cincinnati.com – Sex trafficking not truly consensual Mar. 17: US News – Democrats Block Human Trafficking Bill Over […]

Jason Kowal, Principal and Co-Founder of Global Thinking had a good reason to get involved. Two daughters. In the spring of 2014, Shared Hope contacted Jason and his team about helping launch the Demanding Justice Project campaign website, a site that serves to expose buyers convicted of purchasing sex with minors. At the conclusion of […]

California Proposition 35 made sweeping changes to California’s child sex trafficking laws. On November 6, 2012, over ten million people in California voted in favor of the act, making it the most successful ballot in California history. Over 80% of voters voted in favor of Prop 35 and it is easy to see why: increased […]

To: Arizona Office of the Attorney General County Attorney’s Office of Apache County County Attorney’s Office of Cochise County County Attorney’s Office of Coconino County County Attorney’s Office of Gila County County Attorney’s Office of Graham County County Attorney’s Office of Greenlee County County Attorney’s Office of La Paz County County Attorney’s Office of Maricopa […]

  Here are a few simple ways to give back on #GivingTuesday to support the life-saving work of Shared Hope International.  AmazonSmile Knock out that Christmas shopping AND donate to Shared Hope! When you start your shopping at smile.amazon.com, you get the same prices as the regular Amazon.com, and Amazon donates 0.5% of your purchases […]

The booming demand for trafficked women and children in recent years is due in part to the proliferation of pornography.  It is time that we stop thinking pornography is victimless and free from consequence. We must recognize that all forms of sexual exploitation are seamlessly intertwined. Porn Changes the Brain: First, we must understand the […]

On November 19, 2014, Oregon issued its first federal sentence for a buyer of sex with a child. Ben Allen Riggs, 64, of Oregon City was sentenced in the District of Oregon under federal charges for transporting a person across state lines for purposes of engaging in prostitution – a federal offense under the Mann […]

For most people it’s hard to imagine that grown men are having sexual contact with, paying for, and raping children. Yet this is happening with such frequency that this crime, human trafficking, is the now the fastest growing crime in the world. (Harris, K. 2012). What is causing grown men to abuse children in this […]

New Study by Shared Hope International Reveals One of America’s Greatest Threats Is Going Dangerously Unaddressed WASHINGTON, D.C., Child sex trafficking affects an estimated 100,000 American children each year. While many states have worked aggressively to combat the crime by strengthening state laws, several states have slipped dangerously behind the nation, according to a new […]

WASHINGTON, D.C., Washington’s laws pertaining to child sex trafficking were named some of the strongest in the nation, according to a new study by Shared Hope International. The Protected Innocence Challenge reports on the sufficiency of state laws relating to domestic minor sex trafficking. Washington earned a 92.5 per cent and is one of only […]

Why Some State’s Stricter Laws Are Creating a Threat of Trafficking for Others WASHINGTON, D.C. – Virginia is the only state in the nation that lacks a law against human trafficking for sexual exploitation, a crime that impacts an estimated 100,000 U.S. children each year. According to a new study by Shared Hope International, Virginia […]

Why Some State’s Stricter Laws Are Creating a Threat of Trafficking for Others WASHINGTON, D.C., South Dakota’s laws pertaining to child sex trafficking were named some of the weakest in the nation, according to a new study by Shared Hope International. The Protected Innocence Challenge reports on the sufficiency of state laws relating to domestic […]

A New Study by Shared Hope International Shows Oregon’s Efforts May be Paying Off WASHINGTON, D.C., Portland is believed to have the highest rate of strip clubs per capita and has been dubbed “Pornland,” but a new study by Shared Hope International shows Oregon’s effort to crack down on trafficking may be paying off. According […]

Louisiana Overtakes Tennessee for Top Spot on Child Sex Trafficking Study  WASHINGTON, D.C., Louisiana has been named the top state in the nation for its laws against child sex trafficking, according to a study released by anti-trafficking organization Shared Hope International. The 2014 Protected Innocence Challenge marks the fourth year Shared Hope has analyzed and […]

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Child sex trafficking affects an estimated 100,000 American children each year in the U.S. but Florida is fighting back. Florida improved its laws to address child sex trafficking every year since 2011. Today, anti-trafficking organization Shared Hope International released its fourth annual study on the state of child sex trafficking laws in […]

WASHINGTON, D.C., Child sex trafficking affects an estimated 100,000 American children each year in the U.S. This staggering statistic may be one of the few that could cause political adversaries to become issue allies. Jim Daly, president of Focus on the Family, an evangelical Christian ministry, was inspired by an interview with Shared Hope International […]

Media Contacts: Taryn Offenbacher, 602.818.3955, Taryn@sharedhope.org ***MEDIA ALERT*** 2014 State Grades on Child Sex Trafficking Laws Exposes Growing Gap Between States October 29, 2014 (Washington D.C.) On November 6, in Washington, D.C., Shared Hope International will release the 4th Annual Protected Innocence Challenge—the most comprehensive study on state child sex trafficking laws. The findings will [...]

John, I grew up reading your books. Your characters had an influence on my young mind and their stories gave me impressions of the legal world that I will never forget. In fact, I still have nearly a whole shelf in my library dedicated to your works. Eventually, I decided to become a lawyer, went […]

We have had such an amazing time celebrating our 16th year of restoration here at Shared Hope International. We have also truly enjoyed hosting the Night of Hope events this month, which you can view photos from on our Facebook page. In addition to the 6 Night of Hope events this month, our beautiful guests from Nepal [...]

As a survivor of child sex trafficking, I often travel across the country to share my story as part of a larger effort to spread awareness about human trafficking and child exploitation.  After sharing my testimony, I’m often asked for thoughts on ending the demand for commercial sex, as a way to deter sex trafficking […]

Shared Hope International will honor Congressman Wolf for lifetime dedication to eradicating trafficking ARLINGTON, VA. – Congressman Frank Wolf (VA-10) has been named a 2014 Lifetime Pathbreaker Award recipient for his continuous leadership in combatting child sex trafficking. Congressman Wolf is one of the House of Representatives’ leading crusaders for human rights. He believes members […]

Shared Hope International honors Marian Hatcher for dedication to fighting demand for sex trafficking ARLINGTON, VA. – Marian Hatcher, Project Manager at the Sheriff’s Women’s Justice Programs for the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, has been named a 2014 Pathbreaker Award recipient for her determined leadership in pursuing the buyers of sex trafficking. Marian Hatcher escaped […]

Shared Hope International honors Brendan Johnson for prioritizing the prosecution of buyers of sex trafficking ARLINGTON, VA. – Brendan Johnson, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota has been named a 2014 Pathbreaker Award recipient for his determined leadership in combatting child sex trafficking. U.S. Attorney Johnson has taken a progressive approach to demand […]

The vivid graphic of a fist in the face quickly dispatched the platitudes we offer for domestic violence, especially when it involves a superhero. It unhinged the “she could have just run” line of reasoning — one that is still prevalent today in the attitude toward child victims of sex trafficking. The video of Ray […]

I should say up front that this post is aimed at men.  When it comes to fighting human trafficking, those of us on the front-lines of this battle tend to look beside us and see mostly women.  When you add the fact that many, but not all perpetrators, especially of domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST) […]

While enslaved on a plantation on the eastern shore of Maryland, my great-great-great grandfather, Frederick Douglass, was denied an education. Slaves were prohibited by U.S. law to learn to read and write. Slave owners understood that education was incompatible with slavery. They believed that an ignorant slave was a content slave…and the federal government ensured […]

There are many forms of human trafficking and for the past two years, Human Trafficking Search has been writing a weekly blog on the topics of sex trafficking, child trafficking, organ trafficking and forced labor yet sex trafficking remains the most common form of human trafficking in the world. The HTS blog has covered both […]

Working with Shared Hope International, artist Pamela Alderman created an ArtPrize exhibit to bring greater awareness to the problem of sex trafficking. Using audio files from Chosen (one of Shared Hope’s documentary video resources), Pamela was able to add real voices from survivors and law enforcement to the exhibit. “The Scarlet Cord reveals the deception that enslaves innocent children. […]

I am Ajay Pun Magar, and I’m 17. I’ve been living at Asha Nepal 11 years. When I was young, my mother was taken from Nepal and sold into the brothel in India. From that time on, I lived with my uncle and aunty in Nepal. Those times were very hard for me. I was […]

My name is Manisha Sunuwar. I am 20 years old. Asha Nepal has been my home since I was 7. I knew nothing about myself — I didn’t know where I came from, who my parents were, where my home was, nothing. I learned the bitter truth from another resident at Asha Nepal, Renu. I […]

My name is Pooja Ghimire. I’m 21. I’ve been living at Asha Nepal since I was 8. My mother, Shoba, was from the same rural village in Nepal where I was born. She was the eldest of seven; when her father died, she and her mother raised the younger children. At 16 my mom married, […]

I am Savita Tamang, 30 years old; Asha Nepal has been my home for 10 years. My mom was sold in India when she was very young. She became pregnant and sought an abortion, but my father said he would take full responsibility if the child was a boy. When I was born a girl, […]

On July 30, 2012, J.S., S.L., and L.C., three juvenile sex trafficking victims, filed a lawsuit against Backpage.com, LLC alleging that the website participated in their exploitation by creating an online marketplace of escort ads where children are sold and bought for sex. Backpage.com claims it is immune from civil liability under Section 230 of the […]

Researchers tend to be both curious and risk-averse. Curious because we’re always looking for unanswered questions, and risk-averse because we don’t want to make mistakes as we try to answer those questions. These are generalizations, of course…but we researchers tend to be fond of generalizations, too. I believe it is the push and pull of […]

In this, the 21st Century, tens of millions of women and children are slaves in their homelands throughout the globe to be used solely for sex. And every year hundreds of thousands of women and children are trafficked to foreign lands and throughout the United States as fodder for the sex trade. As I investigated […]

By: Megan Cassidy, The Arizona Republic PHOENIX — The crime of soliciting sex from a minor in Arizona carries a sentence of up to 24 years behind bars, but a Phoenix suspect convicted of the crime should more realistically expect a term of three months, according to a new study released by anti-sex-trafficking group Shared Hope International […]

While we often talk about human trafficking, there’s one important aspect that we often ignore: the man who solicits sex on the street or on the internet. These individuals are also criminals, and they live among us every day, preying on young women and girls. They are the demand that drives this business, because that […]

On August 25, Shared Hope International is releasing the Demanding Justice Project Report and an interactive website featuring our research on demand. The Demanding Justice Project is a research and advocacy initiative designed to promote deterrence of demand for commercial sex with children through increased attention and advocacy on demand enforcement. The research report documents […]

South Dakota is not the place one expects to find fourteen-year-old girls being sold for sex on the internet. The grim reality, however, is that sex trafficking is a growth industry and it has taken root even here in rural America. I became the United States Attorney for South Dakota in 2009, and at that […]

The issue of law enforcement and sex trafficking is complex and bears much consideration. Outwardly, the relationship seems simple: Police enforce the laws. Invariably, the victim comes under scrutiny in a sex crime and in some cases is blamed. For many it seems troubling. After all, do we blame the store clerk for the armed […]

Shared Hope International, Arizona State University Release Findings of New Study on Buyers of Sex with Children PRESS RELEASE PHOENIX, ARIZONA – According to a new study which will be released on August 25 by Shared Hope International, in partnership with Arizona State University, buyers who purchased sex acts with minors are avoiding sex trafficking […]

Purchasing sex is now a well-accepted pastime in the United States. It’s not uncommon for men to visit strip clubs for a bachelor party or speak openly about consumption of pornography. Commercially depicted sexualization is so normal that in one study investigating the effects on men who view pornography, social scientists were unable to find […]

The dirty business of child sex trafficking is rapidly migrating to the Internet, due  to the accessibility and anonymity of websites like Craigslist.com, Backpage.com, and Myredbook.com that allow ads for “adult services.” It is well known that these ads mask child and adult sexual exploitation and that big money is being made. Advocates like Shared […]

As a kid, I was always told that “America is a free country.” Every year, people in the United States take July 4th to commemorate the adoption of the declaration of independence in 1776. This moment in 1776 was truly remarkable, and it changed the course of history forever. Founded on the belief that all […]

We would like to take time this month to affirm and recognize a true Defender and an incredibly influential Ambassador of Hope.  Through his actions, Walt Schulcz has shown that he is a true Defender that brings a message of hope to all. Over time, Walt has influenced thousands of people. From schools to churches, […]

One of the most successful national operations targeting child sex trafficking was conducted by the FBI and local, state and federal law enforcement agencies as part of the week-long Operation Cross Country initiative to combat child sex trafficking. Under this initiative, 281 traffickers were arrested and 168 children were recovered. The most recent sting operation […]

By: Eion Oosterbaan As its use becomes increasingly universal, the Internet has drastically changed the face of human sex trafficking.  Through this medium, criminals have found a way to expand their reach of influence while simultaneously reducing the risk of their detection by law enforcement to a significant extent.  Traffickers, or pimps, have taken their […]

By: Gunnar Simonsen When my daughter was little she received $30 for her birthday that she could spend on whatever she wanted. Of course, we thought she would want to spend it on a stuffed animal or toy. But we were wrong. Very wrong. When her mom asked her what she wanted to spend it […]

As a native of Jamaica, my anticipations of returning home are always filled with excitement and joy. I think of visiting family members, activities and events and the food.  While this trip is filled with excitement and joy it is also filled with a bit of nervousness and fear.  For the very first time, I […]

23rd Session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Conference By: Eion Oosterbaan In May 2014, a panel discussion meeting took place at the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime (UNODC) at its headquarters in Vienna, Austria.  This discussion served as a side event to the Twenty-third session of the Commission on Crime […]

According to Vardaman, who is the senior director for anti-trafficking organization Shared Hope International, H.R. 4703 “is a clear and specific mandate to the State Department” to target the demand for human trafficking. She told LifeSiteNews that Hultgren’s legislation would add teeth to the TIP report, which she said has been used effectively “with regard […]

Education is a very important part of restoration for survivors of human trafficking. However, it can be very challenging at first, especially after a nine year break from school. In my last blog, I spoke about how nervous I was to return to school but that nervousness was quickly drowned by feelings of discouragement once […]

Shared Hope commends Congress’ support of critical anti-trafficking legislation, marking a monumental achievement for anti-trafficking advocates PRESS RELEASE Arlington, VA (May 21, 2014)—Shared Hope International, a leading anti-trafficking organization, commends the remarkable bipartisan support of the U.S. House of Representatives in passing a series of five bills that will strengthen America’s response to child victims […]

FULL STORY – Seattle Times – U.S. House Should Pass Anti Sex Trafficking Bills, Crack Down on Backpage.com The U.S. House of Representatives is expected to vote as early as Tuesday on several anti-sex trafficking bills. With broad support from members of both parties, these sweeping measures ought to have no problems getting passed off the floor […]

The following Blog Post was written by Defenders Co-Chairman, Nick Lembo. In fighting Sex Trafficking, one man can make a difference.  One man heard me speak in Washington DC, and things changed for the Defenders USA in fighting sex trafficking. The smallest of actions can add up to major changes in our culture. What might […]

By: Eion Oosterbaan In May 2014, the United States Mission to the European Union in Brussels, Belgium hosted a strategy meeting focused on information-sharing regarding traveling sex offenders (TSOs), who play a large role in the ever-growing presence of International Sex Tourism and Human Trafficking. Eion Oosterbann attended as an observer on behalf of Shared Hope. […]

Congressman William Keating remarked that women constitute half of the Earth’s population and serve as the sole caretaker in many households, and yet they “continue to be 2/3 of the world’s illiterate population,” at last month’s Women’s Education hearing “Promoting Development, Countering Radicalism.” The recent kidnapping of 276 Nigerian schoolgirls by the Islamist extremist group […]

By: Elizabeth Clapp On Tuesday, April 8, a Congressional Briefing was held on Capitol Hill, entitled “Combating Exploitative Child Labor.” In attendance was Senator Tom Harkin, along with a panel of activists and professionals working within the anti-child labor trafficking movement. These individuals are on the front lines, helping young children who have been exploited by […]

A nationwide trend shows an alarming increase of gang involvement in human trafficking. In August 2013, Portland State University released a much anticipated study on the scope of child sex trafficking in Portland, OR that revealed 49.1 percent of youth in the study had been exploited by gang members, are affiliated gang members or indicated […]

Shared Hope International established the Ambassador of Hope program to educate, equip and connect dedicated activists to meaningful service opportunities so they can impact their community and the movement of sex trafficking. Shared Hope Ambassador, Wendi Russo, decided to use her skills, talents and influence to make a difference. Wendi Russo has been a host […]

“From when I met him when I was 12, he set me up.  The whole five years was nothing but a setup.” By 17 years old, Maria had experienced more than many ever will in their lifetime. Her mother was drug addicted and her father had a new family, both were only involved in her […]

Last week, Shared Hope International brought sex trafficking prevention, identification and response education and training to Tacoma public schools, community members, law enforcement, prosecutors and social service providers. On March 5-6, Shared Hope joined the Tacoma Public School District to provide youth sex trafficking prevention education to students, counselors, educators, administrators and principals using the […]

I’ve been a little surprised not to see more sting operations like the one in Sturgis, frankly. But Samantha Healy Vardaman and Christine Raino of the anti-trafficking advocacy group Shared Hope International, noted that some legislators worry that a differing ruling in another circuit court could confuse matters, leaving johns considered traffickers in one state, but […]

President Abraham Lincoln has been herald as one of the early abolitionists, having drafted and signed the Emancipation Proclamation. While this national symbol of freedom does mark early efforts to abolish slavery, President Lincoln recognized its limitations. Here are a few lessons we learned from Abe: Though Lincoln believed that slavery was morally wrong, he […]

“The locusts of everyday violence have been allowed to swarm unabated in the developing world. And they are laying waste to the hope of the poor.” – Gary A. Haugen and Victor Boutros in their new book, The Locust Effect  As we work to combat sex trafficking in the U.S. and abroad, we come face […]

  RESTORATION This year we partnered with 12 local shelter and service organizations in 5 countries to offer education, job skills, healing, community, medical care and FREEDOM to 453 survivors. We supported housing for 204 women and children. 4,640 HIV/AIDS related medical visits were made through outreach to potential trafficking victims in red light districts. We convened over […]

How many of you have heard of the Super Bowl? Alright, who I am I kidding? Everyone has! Great food, the most creative ad campaigns of the year, and great football­—it’s pretty hard to miss. Millions of people participate in this day. According to a 2013 Retail Advertising and Marketing Association survey, approximately 75% of […]

[clear-line] Archives – 2015 – 2014 – 2013 – 2012 – 2011 [clear-line] Dec. 4: New Republic – Why Do We Treat Child Sex-Trafficking Victims Like Criminals? Nov. 9: CBN – Grades Are In: The Weakest Anti-Trafficking States Nov. 7: NOLA – Louisiana best in nation at combating human trafficking, advocacy group says Nov. 6: AZ Republic – Advocacy group praises Arizona’s sex-trafficking laws Nov. 6: Washington […]

McKenzie, who now advocates for victims of trafficking, credits her restoration to Shared Hope International, which provides support for victims of trafficking. At a panel on trafficking last Friday at George Washington University’s Global Women’s Institute, McKenzie said that because of the organization she has hope for other victims. “My pimp used to tell me that the police […]

By Melanie Mah Twenty-seven Maryland residents were selected as recipients of the 30th Annual Governor’s Service Award, honored on November 4, 2013. Nancy Winston, Senior Director at Share Hope International, was honored with the Governor’s Service Award as a Special Honoree.  This prestigious award is given to individuals who display an outstanding record of volunteerism […]

News Coverage featuring 2013 Protected Innocence Challenge. See how your state scored. Nov. 27: OPB – The Clackamas Review: Study Says Oregon Stepping Up Sex-Trafficking Fight Nov. 15: Fox 45 News Baltimore – Maryland Gets C Grade for Human Trafficking Laws Nov. 13: Fox 8 New Orleans – La. Improves its Ranking in Fighting Child Trafficking Nov. 12: The […]

This week, over 550 professionals and advocates from over 30 states joined us in Washington, D.C. for Sharing the Hope 2013. We hope you left feeling inspired, equipped and better connected as the united army of protection for our children. I’m excited to share some highlights from Sharing the Hope 2013. Shared Hope announced the […]

Love. Care. Tenderness. Support. These are all character qualities that are essential to the Defenders. These qualities in my mind all describe one important value of the Defenders: accountability. According to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, accountability means “an obligation or willingness to accept responsibility or to account for one’s actions.” I always grew up with the term “brother’s […]

In September of 2012, I found myself reading Renting Lacy. To be honest, I didn’t know what to expect. Despite the warning at the beginning of the book telling me that it has very tough content, I thought I could handle it. I thought to myself, I can do this. This will be a one-sitting […]

Guest post by: Jo Lembo With the Seattle Aquarium as the backdrop, guests of Shared Hope International heard, many for the first time, that sex trafficking is real and it’s here in our neighborhoods. The Seattle Premier showing of Chosen drew a registration of over 300, many of them sponsored youth from the Puget Sound […]

Less than 48 hours after the U.S. Government shutdown, Washington Representative Jamie Herrera Beutler announced her decision to donate 100 percent of her shutdown salary to Shared Hope International. During a government shutdown, the 532 members of Congress continue to be paid, at a rate of $174,000 annually. While this costs American taxpayers approximately $10,000 […]

Written by: Marissa Montalvo Life is one of the most precious things in the world and it takes tremendous courage to save one. Sparsh Founder, Timothy Hirwale, shares what motivated him to rescue and raise dozens of India’s children as his own and how his organization is making an impact. “There was a time in my […]

Now, Brianna is part of a documentary called ‘Chosen‘, premiering in Seattle next week. The goal is to educate young women of the red flags to look for when these men are on the hunt for their next victim. “We’re teaching young girls and young women to see the monster and the deception behind those charming […]

Rep. Judge Ted Poe and Senator John Cornyn cross-filed the End Sex Trafficking Act of 2013 on July 24, 2013.  The bill has the purpose of clarifying the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) and its criminal provision, 18 USC 1591, to include actions by buyers – through the verbs “patronizes or solicits” – as […]