Resources for Defenders
Take Action. Become a Hero.
Action Steps and Resources and for Defenders
Defenders take action to protect women and children from sex trafficking and sexual exploitation. This work requires clarity, discipline, and personal responsibility.
There are three primary ways Defenders take action. We become informed. We give time and influence. We invest resources.
When men first learn about the realities of child sex trafficking, many go through a process. There can be disbelief, anger, and a growing awareness that something must be done. What matters is how that awareness is directed.
This work is not about vigilantism or reckless behavior. It is about taking responsibility in our own lives, protecting our families and communities, and standing against systems that exploit women and children. Real change begins close to home and grows outward through consistent, intentional action.
Typically, when guys first learn about child sex trafficking, we go through several phases: denial, anger, acceptance, then we take action. We shouldn’t physically hunt down traffickers. We shouldn’t kick down a pimp’s door like in the movies (leave that to trained law enforcement). Instead, we can take action in our own lives, by defending our families and those we love from this global problem.
5 Ways to Take Action
Get Informed
- Learn how sex trafficking and sexual exploitation operate in the United States.
- Read and share Renting Lacy: A story of America’s Prostituted Children by Linda Smith
Protect Kids Online
- Prevention starts with education.
- Share the White Van PSA with parents, educators, and youth leaders (White Van Learning Kit)
- Use the Internet Safety Toolkit to help protect kids online
Share Awareness
- Help others recognize the warning signs of exploitation.
- Share Warning Signs of Trafficking with your community
- Visit the Advocacy Center to let your voice be heard
Engage Others
- Invite men you trust to take action alongside you.
- Host a Defenders conversation with friends or a community group
- Speak to your workplace, church, or network
- Understand Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking (DMST) with free elearning course
- Use the 30 Day Prayer Guide to pray individually or with others for the protection of the vulnerable
Support the Work
- Strengthen prevention and survivor restoration through generosity.
- Give to Shared Hope International
Resources
The following is a list of resources for Defenders. Use the materials, videos, articles, and other organizations listed here as tools in your toolbox to fight against the commercial sex industry and to raise awareness. Use these resources to educate, empower, and equip other men. Take action!
Helpful Organizations, Videos, Books, and Other Resources
Videos
Jaco Booyens: The Fight to Stop Sex Trafficking – Why we must teach our young men to be Defenders and to do what’s right even if you’re the only one.
“Defending the Chosen” Gordy and John Interview
“Message to Rotarians Video” Ron and Newt Interview
Defenders Vlog: Interview with Founder Vern Smith
“We Need to Talk” (Courtesy of Fight the New Drug)
Books
Pure Desire by Dr. Ted Roberts
The Resolution for Men by Stephen Kendrick, Alex Kendrick, & Randy Alcorn
The Gameplan by Joe Dallas
Every Man’s Battle by Stephen Arterburn & Fred Stoeker
Other Resources
Read Hannah Blair’s Letter to Buyers, posted on LinkedIn.
The Mighty Man Manual by John Snyder. Overcoming sexual addiction. Download PDF sample here.
Support the work that protects women and children and confronts sexual exploitation.
Becoming a Defender begins with taking responsibility for how you live and what you allow.
Some Defenders choose to take this commitment further by investing in the work that makes prevention, restoration, and justice possible. Your generosity strengthens Shared Hope International’s efforts to protect women and children, support survivors, and confront sexual exploitation at its root.