Leif Larson, Author at Shared Hope International

November 14, 2024 by Leif Larson

No Senate Confirmation Until House Ethics Committee Report Clears AG Nominee Matt Gaetz of Sex Trafficking Allegations

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 position of Attorney General has sparked concern among those working to combat sex trafficking in the U.S. Gaetz has been dogged by allegations of sex trafficking and has resigned under the cloud of a House Ethics Committee investigation just days before a report was to issue.

“The office of Attorney General requires the highest ethical conduct and public trust,” said Linda Smith, founder and CEO of the leading anti-sex trafficking nonprofit Shared Hope International. “We urge Congressman Gaetz to put the allegations of sex trafficking to rest before appearing before the Senate Confirmation Committee.”

The U.S. Senate has been a champion of legislation to prevent sex trafficking, protect the victims, and prosecute sex trafficking offenders. U.S. law defines sex trafficking in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and its subsequent reauthorizations as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age (22 U.S.C. § 7102(11)(A)). The U.S. Senate has doggedly pursued legislation that has reached into areas from the banking sector to the Internet.

Linda Smith warns, “Congressman Gaetz should welcome the release of the House Ethics Committee Report as he will face a serious and knowledgeable committee of Senators in the confirmation hearing who will surely pursue honest answers.” This nomination occurs at a time when numerous high-profile cases of sex trafficking are about to start, most notably the criminal case against Sean “P Diddy” Combs.

The U.S. Department of Justice is the leading agency combatting sex trafficking through the enforcement of federal laws as well as programs across the nation strengthening law enforcement and civil society responses to victims and survivors of sex trafficking.

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About Shared Hope International 
Founded in 1998 by then-U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith, Shared Hope International is a national nonprofit organization with a threefold mission to prevent the conditions that foster sex trafficking: prevent sex trafficking through training, awareness and collaboration; restore survivors of sex trafficking, and bring justice through legislative and policy solutions. Shared Hope engages in diverse training, intervention, and legislative activities that confront sex trafficking in communities throughout the U.S.  

October 7, 2024 by Leif Larson

Greetings attendees of the 2024 JuST Training Conference.

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 of paid rape have a challenging journey.

The road from victim to survivor to survivor leader is an individual journey. Along the way, we bond with others at different points of our growth, sharing experiences, failures, and triumphs.

I want to let you know of a unique opportunity for attendees of this year’s jUST conference. We, the ‘Older Gals; or ‘Older Generation’ of survivor leaders, will be your opening keynote session,

OG’s Speak Out: Navigating Life Beyond Exploitation

Some refer to us as ‘Elder Survivors,’ a term of endearment and respect, because we have had rich journeys as survivor leaders for decades. We are friends, colleagues, and, most of all, sisters.

Our sisterhood has standard systems of prostitution and the journey out. It is that journey out that we will share in our conversation with each other and you. Meet my sisters!

Hello, I’m Vednita

I am the founder of Breaking Free. Younger generations tell me in group settings that things are different from when I was “in the life.” I ask, how? You’re still exploited, whether it’s direct or indirect exploitation. The technology may evolve, but the degradation of being used, purchased for a price for sex, or pornographic imagery still reduces you to an object.

Hello, I’m Terry

I joined the movement when I met Vednita Carter, Founder of Breaking Free. She introduced me to the issues surrounding exploitation, and it was then that I understood I was not alone. I began reading books by fellow survivors like Andrea Dworkin and articles by Melissa Farley and Gail Dines. In reading the stories, I started to see a bigger world where hope sprung. I had so many questions and didn’t know where to find the answers because I was afraid to voice my fears. Many of the answers came from conferences like JuST.

Hello, I’m Audrey

Those of us who have been in the movement for a while have much to offer. You have some up-and-coming leaders who are missing an opportunity to learn from OG’s! Mistakes we’ve made, like not prioritizing self-care and learning when to say no. Women of color share experiences and bring awareness so they don’t feel alone when discouraging things arise. They can keep moving forward and work with allies who want to support them, but they often need to hear from survivors to do so successfully. It can help you reach back and gather strength from OGs to keep moving against the naysayers and the struggles.

We are looking forward to hosting you in a salon, which has its roots in the aristocracy of France in the late 17th and 18th centuries.

Historically a male-dominated structure, the gathering discussed literature, art, philosophy, music, and, of course, politics. It was to become the model for the feminist movement, providing a space to discuss issues of social status and power.

There is no better forum to discourse on the disenfranchised and disempowered due to sexual violence. In this intimate setting, without harsh light, seated in a circle, tears may flow, and laughter may follow. Heartbeat to heartbeat, humanity is the goal—dignity and respect for all.

Delving into life after various systems of prostitution will allow you a unique opportunity to engage with us older gals as we share our multifaceted path to healing.

Our journeys range from the 1980s to 2024. We are providing not only personal perspectives but also historical, socioeconomic, legal, and political viewpoints.

Street, online, and image-based exploitation will be discussed, as well as laws used against us and laws we fought for!

We have a deep bench to use a sports phrase. From Executive Directors and officers of NGOs to policy experts and civilian law enforcement, our experience has, in many ways, established lasting threads in the tapestry of the “movement.”

Those threads are sinew binding together adversity, disrespect, pain, and loss with strength, healing, love, and liberation. This is the reality of our tapestry: never forgetting what we’ve been through but choosing to live forward-thinking and focused.

Join the conversation with us, the ‘old gals,’ the ‘older generation’ of survivor leaders, as we allow the strength of our friendship and accomplishments to give hope. Survivors and allies, come one, come all!

“Through our narratives, we aim to offer insights from our diverse journeys. From rebuilding shattered self-esteem to reconciling with loved ones, we have faced and overcome many challenges. Our stories illuminate the profound wisdom gained through adversity and the sacredness of the journey toward wholeness.”

Audry, Marian, Terry, and Vednita

August 21, 2024 by Leif Larson

Shared Hope International Institute for Justice & Advocacy strongly opposes the sentence imposed on Chrystul Kizer

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 to acknowledge her victimization and perpetuates an unjust system.

Shared Hope International Institute for Justice and Advocacy’s Senior Director of Public Policy, Christine Raino, J.D., strongly opposes the sentence imposed on Chrystul Kizer. Raino highlights the unjust treatment Chrystul has faced from the beginning and emphasizes the urgent need for Wisconsin to pass a Safe Harbor law. Raino states, “The outcome of Chrystul’s case is tragic because of the unwillingness to acknowledge her victimization. It is a sad reminder of the immediate need for the state to pass a Safe Harbor law to prevent more young people like Chrystul from having their status as a trafficking victim even debated.”

August 2, 2024 by Leif Larson

2024 JuST Conference, the nation’s premier training conference, presented by Shared Hope International

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 comprehensive program that tackles key issues in the juvenile sex trafficking field.

One of the standout features of the JuST Conference is its emphasis on skill-building and coalition development. Workshops and training sessions will provide participants with the tools they need to effectively identify and respond to juvenile sex trafficking in their communities. From law enforcement to healthcare professionals to social workers, attendees from a wide range of backgrounds will come together to learn from each other and share best practices.

But it’s not just about building individual skills – the JuST Conference also places a strong focus on community involvement. By bringing together diverse stakeholders, including survivors, advocates, law enforcement, and policymakers, the conference aims to foster a sense of unity and collaboration in the fight against commercial sexual exploitation. It’s clear that addressing juvenile sex trafficking requires a collective effort, and the JuST Conference provides a platform for diverse groups to come together and work towards a common goal.

Survivor experiences are a key component of the JuST Conference, www.justconference.org, offering attendees a firsthand look at the realities of juvenile sex trafficking and the impact it has on individuals. By centering the voices and experiences of survivors, the conference underscores the importance of trauma-informed care and survivor-centered approaches. The many survivor-led workshops give testimony to the fact that survivors are ‘overcomers’ and powerful leaders in the anti-trafficking movement.

In addition to its focus on education and awareness, the JuST Conference also shines a spotlight on the importance of cross-discipline collaboration. Juvenile sex trafficking is a complex issue that requires a multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from various fields to address its root causes and implications. By fostering collaboration among different sectors, the conference aims to create a more holistic and integrated response to human trafficking, breaking down silos and facilitating more effective solutions.

New for this year’s JuST Training Conference is the introduction of “Professional Pathways” training. Attendees will have the opportunity to collaborate with a diverse range of experts from the fields of healthcare, law enforcement, legislation, research, and service providers to combat juvenile sex trafficking.

The JuST Conference is designed to provide advanced training programs known as “Professional Pathways” that aim to enhance participants’ skills, grant access to valuable resources, and amplify the impact of their work in the following critical areas:

– Law Enforcement, Legal, and Policy: Enhancing knowledge and strategies for effective law enforcement, legal proceedings, and policy implementation.

– Physical & Mental Health: Addressing the physical and mental health needs of victims and survivors of sex trafficking.

– Multidisciplinary Teams: Fostering collaboration and coordination among multidisciplinary teams to better support victims and address the challenges of sex trafficking.

– Prevention: Equipping attendees with tools and resources for effective prevention strategies and interventions.

– Research & Lived Experience: Providing a platform for sharing research findings and lived experiences to enhance understanding and improve responses to juvenile sex trafficking.

– Service Providers: Enhancing the capacity and capabilities of service providers to offer comprehensive support to victims and survivors.

The JuST training Conference promises valuable insights and opportunities for all participants. From networking with like-minded individuals to learning from industry experts to gaining practical skills to take back to your community, there’s something for everyone at this enlightening event. By attending the JuST Conference, you’ll deepen your understanding of juvenile sex trafficking and justice for the victims.

This year’s JuST Conference, the nation’s premier training conference, will be held October 22-24 in Phoenix, Arizona is set to be a transformative event that will empower attendees with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need to make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. With its focus on skill-building, task force development, survivor experiences, and cross-discipline collaboration, the conference offers a comprehensive and inclusive program that addresses key issues in the juvenile sex trafficking field. The JuST Conference is a must-attend event for anyone committed to combating juvenile sex trafficking and supporting survivors. Keep an eye out for updates on this impactful and informative conference – you won’t want to miss it!

July 17, 2024 by Leif Larson

The Dark Side of Emoji’s

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, and evade detection by law enforcement.

In the digital age, where communication happens at a rapid pace and across various platforms, emojis provide a convenient way for traffickers to communicate with each other and with potential clients. By using certain emojis as symbols for specific services or actions, traffickers can discreetly advertise their illicit activities and coordinate their operations. This clandestine use of emojis makes it difficult for authorities to detect and track trafficking activities, leading to the further exploitation of victims.

The use of emojis in sex trafficking also raises concerns about the impact of technology on vulnerable populations. Traffickers prey on individuals, often minors, who are susceptible to manipulation and coercion. By leveraging emojis in their communication tactics, traffickers exploit the familiarity and widespread use of these symbols to lure their victims into exploitation. The use of emojis normalizes the exploitation of individuals and perpetuates the cycle of abuse in the digital realm.

Furthermore, the use of emojis in sex trafficking underscores the need for increased awareness and vigilance in online spaces. It is crucial for individuals, especially parents and guardians, to educate themselves and their children about the dangers of online communication and the potential misuse of symbols like emojis. By understanding the ways in which emojis can be co-opted for nefarious purposes, individuals can better protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to traffickers.

In the fight against sex trafficking, technology companies, law enforcement agencies, and advocates need to work together to combat the use of emojis as tools of exploitation. By implementing stricter policies and monitoring mechanisms to identify and disrupt trafficking activities, stakeholders can mitigate the harm caused by the misuse of emojis in trafficking operations. Additionally, Shared Hope Interntional is working to raise awareness about the intersection of technology and trafficking to empower communities to recognize and report suspicious online behaviors.

Ultimately, the use of emojis in sex trafficking highlights the urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to address the complex challenges posed by modern-day exploitation. By acknowledging the role of technology in facilitating trafficking crimes and taking proactive steps to prevent and combat such abuses, we can strive towards a safer and more secure online environment for all individuals.

Emojis, can add fun to our online communications making our days more enjoyable and should not be allowed to serve as tools of oppression and exploitation in the digital age.