Latest News - Page 42 of 120 - 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 27, 2017 by Sarah Bendtsen

NEW CAMPAIGN to PAVE PATHS towards JUSTICE

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 legislatively addressing the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC)–– in six years, state grades under the Protected Innocence Challenge rose from 26 “F” states in 2011, to zero “F” states and 30 “A” and “B” states in 2016. Following six years of legislative advocacy and providing technical support to legislators, almost half of U.S. states and D.C. now recognize children engaged in commercial sex as victims in need of services, rather than criminals or delinquent youth. This is enormous progress and we will continue celebrating these achievements from the highest of mountain tops!

However, the last six years have not eradicated domestic minor sex trafficking (DMST). Until every child in the U.S. is insulated from this horrendous crime, we will continue marching towards justice and protection. While federal law clearly applies to the conduct of buyers, only 11 states expressly recognize buyers of sex with children as perpetrators of sex trafficking. More than 50% of states deem children engaged in commercial sex as delinquents deserving of punishments, rather than victims worthy of justice. And while 19 states and DC do not criminalize minors for prostitution, only 7 of those states and D.C. have created statutory pathways to specialized services for all identified child victims; over 75% of states, therefore, do not have a non punitive avenue under their law to provide the specialized services necessary for a child victim to obtain holistic care and opportunities for healing, empowerment, and a childhood.

Recognizing the substantial work ahead, we are thrilled to announce the launch of our 2017 campaign to fill these gaps: Stop the InJuSTice. This campaign seeks to mobilize lawmakers, citizens, and community organizations to pave pathways for holding buyers accountable and ensuring that all child victims are afforded a protective response. But we need your help! In the next six months, we are asking citizens and legislators to increase their engagement and commitment to ensuring that these gaps do not exist in 2018. In return, Shared Hope commits to supporting at least six states in enacting legislation that specifically addresses these glaring gaps.

Here are 6 ways you as a citizen can take action!

Help us get the word out and share our campaign images on social media
Read your State’s 2016 Report Card
Call your legislators and ask them to protect and prioritize child victims of sex trafficking, and support bills that aim to hold buyers accountable and ensure victim-centered responses to children.
Share our tweets with your legislators, friends and family to spread the word.
Become an Ambassador of Hope
Donate to Shared Hope International to ensure we can continue our fight for justice.

Legislators: Commit to engaging with Shared Hope’s policy team to identify gaps in your state’s laws and craft legislation to fill these holes. Email us to request a consultation with a member of our policy team.

Ambassadors of Hope: Participate in a training created specifically for you! Our communications manager and policy team have put together a training and toolkit to equip our Ambassadors with the background, knowledge, and confidence to advocate for the bills that Shared Hope is supporting. From learning how to most effectively share our materials, to navigating our Legislative Action Center site, we are striving to ensure that all of our Ambassadors have the support they need to be champions in their communities.

Please join Shared Hope in ensuring that 2017 is the year that we Stop the InJuSTICE! We look forward to working with you to create a safer, more just world for our children.

[easy-tweet tweet=”Join Shared Hope in ensuring that 2017 is the year that we Stop the InJuSTICE!” user=”SharedHope” hashtags=”StoptheinJuSTice” url=”http://bit.ly/2kuAmmv”]

January 26, 2017 by Susanna Bean

JuST Conference 2017 Goes to New Orleans!

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 four years in D.C., we’ve been limited by function space and available amenities. In light of our dedication to excellence, our desire to reach new professionals, and our commitment to keeping the conference affordable, we’re packing our bags and heading to The Big Easy. Here is a city that knows a little something about perseverance, strength and beating trauma. We hope you’ll get a taste of that spirit in October. But location isn’t the only change!

Securing more space means we can offer a broader range of workshops and a more well-rounded conference for all attendees. This year, we’ve ditched the pre-conference in favor of offering 2.5 days of training and plenaries that appeal to all professionals. We’re also pleased to offer breakfast, lunch, and free wifi access for every attendee. As usual, your ticket will provide entry to the full conference as well as the annual networking happy hour.

We’ll be selecting workshops that focus on skill-building, survivor experiences, cross-discipline collaboration, case studies and lessons learned in the areas of investigation, prosecution and therapeutic services.

If you want to join this year’s training team download a presenter application here.

Last, but not least, we picked a city that has the best music and cuisine in America! So, we hope you’ll get out and explore a little. The city is rich in history, entertainment, and local flair.

Check out all the details for registration, conference agenda, hotel, transportation and more, at our JuST Conference website! And sign up here to get a registration reminder. Join us October 24-26 in New Orleans!

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

January 18, 2017 by Susanna Bean

Homeless Youth & Trafficking in Arizona

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 18-25, were interviewed for this study. Of the 199 homeless youth surveyed, one-third identified themselves as victims of sex trafficking. By gender, 1 out of every 3 female study participants, and 1 out of 4 male respondents self-reported that they had been sex trafficked.

“When asked if they had been pressured or forced into having sex for money, drugs, food, clothing, a place to stay or for protection, 66 young homeless adults – one in three – identified as being a sex trafficking victim.” ¹

It is not just homelessness that puts these youth at risk, but a confluence of factors. The study found that drug and alcohol addiction, mental health issues or a history of dating violence or physical, sexual or emotional abuse are all vulnerabilities that traffickers seek to exploit. Particularly concerning is the use of technology, and in particular the internet, to facilitate the exploitation of youth.

“Technology was found to have played a role in the sex trafficking victimization as respondents indicated that sex traffickers used smart phones, social media, websites like Backpage.com and Craigslist.org and apps like Tinder to reach sex buyers.”¹

Buyers’ increasingly easy access to trafficked youth via the internet highlights the need to address the demand for sex with minors. In 2015 Shared Hope published a field assessment analyzing demand in Arizona. The Demanding Justice Arizona Field Assessment explored criminal justice outcomes and dynamics, making recommendations for how the state can further combat demand to protect children from sex trafficking.

As a result of this research, Shared Hope advocates for strong anti-demand laws and enforcement to be implemented across the nation. We also join the call to action of this study to focus interventions for sex trafficked youth on runaway and homeless youth and on the role of the internet in facilitating the sex trafficking of youth across the socio-economic spectrum.

With continued research, strengthened laws and trained professionals we can reach our vision of a world intolerant of sex trafficking and a community committed to restoring survivors.

—-

¹All quotes come from the McCain Institute for International Leadership press release.