Guest, Author at Shared Hope International

January 31, 2017 by Guest

Starbucks for the Win!

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 earned the respect of countless celebrities and the admiration of children, and bends the ear of millions of people each morning. (Literally, three million). When he says an artist is good, his listeners buy their records. When he says he’s raising money for cancer, his listeners donate. When he shows up at an event, tickets sell out. Bottom line: this dude has influence. I like him, and I like his style. So, I was pretty disappointed when I heard him relay his perspective on a situation that occurred in Spokane, WA.

Here are the basics: A male patron of Starbucks engaged in conversation with a female barista. He made a joke. She said he was funny. He thought she was flirting, slipped her a note asking her to dinner, and left. When he returned the next day, he was informed that he had been banned from that Starbucks location. The man felt he did nothing wrong, but was unjustly discriminated against due to his age.

My radio show host shared the story above, followed by his opinion, suggesting that the man was probably a good guy taking a risk in love, with innocent intentions. He argued that the girl “had flirted” with the guy, that she probably looked older, and that Starbucks made a bigger deal than necessary. He posed this question to his co-hosts on air: Did Starbucks overreact or not? In a matter of three minutes, with minimal facts at hand, they collectively agreed that Starbucks had overreacted and the man was a victim.

Here’s the rest of the story: He was 37, she was 16. He has a self-proclaimed mission to date the youngest women possible. He knows the legal age of consent in WA is 16, and that baristas must be at least 16 to work at Starbucks. He has an entire website devoted to “age-gap love” highlighting the benefits of very young women dating older men.

Despite not knowing all the facts, my radio host created a new narrative born of empathy and by projecting his own personal values on a stranger. He diluted the seriousness of the situation and dismissed any perception of wrongdoing. Effectively, he did the opposite of what he should have done, and in so doing provided a clear example of the cultural tolerance we’re fighting every day in the anti-trafficking movement.

We know that sex buyers are the driving force of the commercial sex trade. Yet, research by Shared Hope revealed a nationwide reticence to enforcing laws against sex buyers. The struggle facing these radio hosts in declaring someone a creep is the same struggle facing our community when it comes to addressing demand. We want criminals to fit a certain profile, so that we don’t identify with their traits. Therefore, if a sex buyer is successful, handsome, likeable, friendly, married and/or a parent, society may be inclined to downplay his behavior, to believe his excuses, to empathize with his plight. We may not arrest, charge, or prosecute his behavior. Our misguided perceptions about sex predators prevent us from seeing the reality.

[easy-tweet tweet=”Our misguided perceptions about sex predators prevent us from seeing the reality.” user=”SharedHope” hashtags=”HTAwarenessMonth” url=”http://bit.ly/2jSJcJZ”]

Just like the Starbucks guy, your friendly neighborhood sex buyers know the laws:

“By the way, guys…it’s a good idea to be extra careful around the South Kukui area. Much of that area is within 750 feet of a school, which can be used to increase the potential punishments for soliciting a decoy.”

–Redneck1, Honolulu (US Sex Guide)

Just like the Starbucks guy, your handsome neighborhood sex buyers want someone young:

“Her name was Monica. She’s about 5’3, skinny, braces, A-cup, curly brunette with highlights. She looked very young. She said she was 18. I asked for ID but she doesn’t have one. I asked her birthday. There was no hesitation in her voice and I believe her… If you see her, you will enjoy.”

-Playboy69, Baltimore (US Sex Guide)

And, just like the Starbucks guy, your successful neighborhood sex buyers believe they’re doing nothing wrong:

“Looks like Savannah PD had a very productive day yesterday. They got 4 girls for prostitution and 4 guys for pandering. They even charged one guy with pimping. With shootings, robberies, and murders on an almost daily basis I am glad to see area law enforcement have their priorities straight. Get out there and bust consenting adults for harming absolutely no one!”

-PrinceAlbertco, Savannah (US Sex Guide)

These are the men who find communities online to share their sexual preferences, who create forums for discussion with like-minded guys that will encourage them to believe what they feel is: 1) normal, 2) acceptable, and 3) popular. It’s up to us to prove them wrong. So, when my kind and empathetic radio show host shared what appeared on the surface as a not-so-significant story, I felt compelled to tell him otherwise, and kindly show him why he was wrong.

The story wasn’t about commercial sex or age-gap love, it was about cultural tolerance. (Truth be told, Starbucks did what any dad would do for his kid, what any big brother or homegirl would do when a creep came around. They put the teen’s safety first, and had a cop on site to deliver their message. They handled it like a pro, and deserve to be recognized, not criticized.) In the end, I reminded him of this truth: Most of us don’t have a platform every day that reaches the masses. We’re just doing our part in our own little way with the few who will listen. Your voice matters… use it wisely, my friend.

To the reader, I say the same: Cultural change will take time and effort from us all. It will require uncomfortable conversations with friends and strangers, some of which are better had over a cup of Joe on a rainy day. In honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Month, it’s vital you know that your voice, your opinion, your influence matters.

[easy-tweet tweet=”It’s vital you know that your voice, your opinion, your influence matters.” user=”SharedHope” hashtags=”HTAwarenessMonth” url=”http://bit.ly/2jSJcJZ”]

By Elizabeth Scaife, Director of Training at Shared Hope International

January 26, 2017 by Guest

Becoming a Student Activist

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 documentary. Outraged by realities I had never been forced to consider, I immediately wanted to take action and create change. When it comes to an issue as vast as sex trafficking, it can be daunting to know where to even begin. You have passion, ideas, and know you can make a difference. If the question is “where do I start?” the answer is simple: where you are.

[easy-tweet tweet=”If the question is “where do I start?” the answer is simple: where you are.” user=”sharedhope” hashtags=”HTAwarenessMonth” url=”http://bit.ly/2knVDhJ”]

Being a student activist can be tough, but is not impossible. In an attempt to positively channel my outrage about sex trafficking, I worked directly with my university to start a grassroots effort within my campus community designed to develop student activists engaged in educating others about the realities of sex trafficking. Our group worked to provide our community with informational materials, documentary screenings on campus, and open conversations about difficult topics. While researching anything and everything I could find on the issue, I found Shared Hope’s website and was amazed by not only the scope of their work, but also the amount of resources available to me at no cost. Later that year I applied to the Arlington, VA office internship program for the summer 2013 semester and was selected; it’s an understatement to say that my internship experience at Shared Hope changed my life.

[easy-tweet tweet=”Young people are the future of the anti-trafficking movement.” user=”SharedHope” hashtags=”HTAwarenessMonth” url=”http://bit.ly/2knVDhJ”]

I am now a Shared Hope staff member, but because of my internship experience, one of my absolute favorite parts of my job is coordinating the Arlington, VA office internship program. Young people are the future of the anti-trafficking movement and their engagement is critical. Our interns consistently amaze me with their hard work, eagerness to learn, and unlimited talents. Each and every one of our incredible interns has played a crucial role by donating their time, contributing new ideas, working extensively with SHI staff on emerging projects. As a young person, it is imperative for you to know that your passion and efforts matter, your voice and experience matters, and you matter more than you know in the fight to combat sex trafficking. Shared Hope has quarterly undergraduate internship programs in both offices (Vancouver, WA and Arlington, VA) and would love for you to apply.

Learn more about our internship program and view application requirements: http://sharedhope.org/about-us/join-our-team/internship/

By Katie Shaver – Shared Hope International Program & Intern Coordinator

October 5, 2016 by Guest

Creating a county-wide CSEC MDT: Flying the plane as we are building it…

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 trauma-informed and victim-centered services throughout all partnering agencies, create systemic change, and provide a continuum of care that serves our population is if we collaborate!

Given the urgent need, we decided to “fly the plane as we build it.” We created a multidisciplinary team comprised of many county partners and local non-profits that are all using a trauma-informed lens (looking at a hierarchy of needs) and using a bio/psycho/social approach to prevention, intervention, investigation, prosecution and data collection.

We have worked very hard to unify our expertise and get people in the same room hearing the same educational messages. From that point of reference, we built a fantastic collaboration which is now accomplishing great things – thanks to the commitment of multiple agencies.

About the authors: Lisa is the Supervisor and program developer for the R.I.S.E. Project. Carrick is a Medical Director working with adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system. Rita is a Victim Witness Program Supervisor. They work together in Santa Barbara County to create systemic change in the county’s response to exploited and abused youth.

This blog post was originally part of our 2016 JuST Conference Speaker Blog Series.

September 26, 2016 by Guest

Attitude of Gratitude

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 only the greatest of all virtues but the parent of all others.” When we live in a state of gratefulness for all that we have, all that we are, and all that comes our way, we constantly receive more things to be grateful for. Gratitude is a powerful force, which instantly begins propelling us forward toward happiness, success and health. Once established as a force within us, gratitude naturally begins radiating out toward others.

Here are three simple methods you can use to quickly become grounded in gratefulness, and continue to increase and refresh your inner gratitude force throughout the day:

Make a mental gratitude list in the moment. This can also be done with pen and paper, but people don’t always have time to do a physical list during a busy day, so try it now, inwardly. Start by thinking the words, “Thank you,” and repeat as you visualize all the things you’re grateful for. For example, take a deep breath, and acknowledge gratitude for the air you’re breathing, the lung capacity you have, and the oxygen to your brain and bloodstream. Look around you, and experience gratitude for your eyesight, the view you’re taking in, and your brain’s power to process the image. While acknowledging your gratitude, allow yourself to luxuriate in the feeling of joy and peace that comes from living in the moment, knowing that the future holds promise for you.

Create a written gratitude list to read aloud to yourself daily. Start by saying the words, “Thank you,” aloud a few times — to prime the gratitude pump, so to speak. Begin by recording at least ten things for which you are grateful. Read the list at least once during your day. Take time to celebrate each entry with a feeling of exultation. Your list may contain items as simple as a good cup of coffee or as wondrous as a spectacular sunset. Feel the thrill and joy of gratitude that fills you each time you read and contemplate your list, and notice how you begin to be inspired to reciprocate by sharing with others.

Give of yourself and express your gratitude to others. This step is essential in completing the gratitude cycle. As you begin to acknowledge all that you have, all that you are, and all that comes your way, you come to recognize that everything in life, particularly that which is challenging, is a gift — a miracle. Consciously celebrate each miracle, and out of your resulting joy comes a desire to “pay it forward.” Every moment experienced in life holds millions of things to be grateful for. Start each day with a gratitude list and see for yourself. Gratitude carries profound results, and it can kick your attitude into positive gear — instantaneously. It works when we work it!

About the Author: Marti MacGibbon has recovered from and triumphed over human trafficking, adolescent sexual abuse/assault, homelessness, domestic violence, severe PTSD and hard-core drug addiction. Today, she is an internationally known humorous inspirational speaker and a nationally award-winning, bestselling author.

This blog post was originally part of our 2016 JuST Conference Speaker Blog Series.

September 20, 2016 by Guest

Prevention: It Matters!

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 taxpayers $34 (due to increase costs for legal, social health, medical cost, etc.).¹This study is a perfect example of the benefits in analyzing prevention efforts.

Allow me to introduce you to a child we will call Joe. He showed up at school on Tuesday morning believing that it would be a normal day as a seventh grader. As the students filed into their health class, it was unlikely Joe knew that it would be far from normal. As the guest presenter began to share about Human Trafficking and the warning signs, the effects and local realities, the mood started to change. A fellow classmate raised their hand to seek clarity on a specific matter. She asked the facilitator “What does loss of bowel control mean”? The guest facilitator searched the health teacher’s face for the go ahead to answer. Getting the green light, the facilitator explained in an age appropriate manner what sodomization was. Joe subconsciously responded, unable to control his response that was triggered by the discussion. He began to rock with his head between his hands; unnoticed by classmates and even the teacher. Joe, like so many other students, was just given vocabulary to identify abuse that he more than likely believed was normal, or even his fault. The facilitator guided the health teacher to appropriate follow up and ensured that Joe was given a support system. This is just one example as to why prevention matters.²

Prevention is vital when it comes to eliminating any problem. When we look at the issue of human trafficking, prevention must become an essential part of our strategy. We will never have enough resources, time or people to respond to the increasing issue of modern-day slavery. We must find a way to swim upstream and put appropriate measures in place to prevent future victimization. Prevention is not only critical in the fight against human trafficking, but it is indispensable for eliminating the effects of trauma. We know that 70-90% of exploited children have a history of sexual abuse.³ Many states are passing laws (North Carolina, Virginia, and others) that require students in public schools be taught about Human Trafficking through their health classes. This is creating a demand for evidence-informed curriculum and systematic protocols that ensure at-risk children do not slip through the cracks. Our schools, communities, clubs, places of faith, and businesses are filled with students presenting risk-factors. The question I would pose to you: Do we know who they are? If and when we become a community that knows how to identify at-risk students, before further victimization occurs, then we will begin to change the culture. Prevention: it matters!

^{1: (Early Intervention to Avoid Sex Trading and Trafficking of Minnesota’s Female Youth: A Benefit-Cost Analysis, Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, 2012).}

^{2: The story of Joe is true. His name has been changed to protect his identity.}

^{3: 1. Bagley, C. & Young, L. (1987). Juvenile Prostitution and Child Sexual Abuse: A Controlled Study. Canadian Journal of Community Mental Health.;. Annual Report. (1991). Council for Prostitution Alternatives. Portland, Oregon.; Murphy, Patricia. (1993). Making Connections: Women, Work, and Abuse. Paul M. Deutsch Press, Florida.}

About the author: Hannah oversees the development and implementation of sustainable programs for females ages 12-18, focusing on awareness, prevention and direct services to victims of exploitation and trafficking. She blends her experience from the corporate and non-profit worlds into a unique balance of purpose and passion.

This blog post was originally part of our 2016 JuST Conference Speaker Blog Series.

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