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January 15, 2013 by Samantha

8th Circuit Court Decision Nabs Buyers

In the fight against sex trafficking, one of the things we focus on at Shared Hope is the importance of ending demand. While it’s absolutely true that victim services, rescue and restoration, and prosecution of traffickers are vitally important, it’s equally important that the buyers be held accountable. If there is no demand, there is no industry. And so, ending demand is a consistent part of our message.

Last week, we received exciting news related to the issue of demand! It involves two men who, on separate occasions, attempted to purchase sex with minor girls. Both were arrested and charged with sex trafficking under the federal criminal laws, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1591 and 1594.

Rather than deny their heinous action, both men argued that they were not traffickers, but merely “consumers” or “purchasers,” and therefore should be acquitted of the charges of sex trafficking. Despite their arguments, juries in both cases found them guilty as charged. The court, however, read the statute differently and agreed with the defendants that the law was not meant to apply to the actions of buyers.

The Justice Department appealed these decisions, convinced that the sex trafficking law was intended to include the actions of buyers of sex acts with adults who were caused to engage in prostitution through force, fraud or coercion, or minors without proof of force, fraud or coercion. The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals released its opinion on January 7. The opinion is 20 pages long, but it can be summed up in this one sentence:

“Notwithstanding the defendants’ argument to the contrary, the… definition of ‘sex trafficking’… readily includes the actions of a purchaser whose sole purpose is obtaining a child for sex.”

In non-legal language, it simply means that the laws regarding domestic minor sex trafficking not only apply to those who sell, but also those who try to (and do) buy sex acts with minors.

Here are some other important statements made in the 8^th Circuit Court decision:

– “The meaning of the terms Congress selected in drafting [the sex trafficking law] are broad enough to encompass the actions of both suppliers and purchasers of commercial sex acts.”

– “It is far from absurd to conclude Congress intended [the sex trafficking law] to apply to purchasers…”

– “The term ‘trafficking’ does not inherently exempt purchasers.”

Now that the 8^th Circuit has established this precedent, prosecutors have another tool to punish buyers and seek justice for the victims of sex trafficking. This has the potential to be a game changer in the fight against sex trafficking, bringing the spotlight squarely on demand where advocates have tirelessly worked to put it. Over time, as potential buyers realize they could face serious consequences for their actions, demand could cease or be so dramatically reduced that the commercial sex industry is no longer profitable. If a pimp can’t make money exploiting women and girls, he has no reason to exploit them.

Next steps will require the continued support of the Department of Justice to the federal prosecutors willing to take on these difficult cases, to build a solid body of case law demonstrating the seriousness of the Department, and our society, to end demand.

8th Circuit Decision 1-7-13

January 9, 2013 by SHI Staff

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

President Obama is declaring January to be National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. See how Shared Hope is participating and how you can get involved by viewing the events below.

‘Top 4 Fridays’ Interactive conversation video series on Google hangout:

January 8, 2013 by webdesigner

The Defenders: Start Spreading The News

The title comes from the lyrics from the song, “New York, New York.” No, I have not been to New York recently — but I have had several opportunities to spread the news about Shared Hope and the Defenders.

In late November I was at my physician’s office and his nurse asked what I have been doing that day. I told her I was making phone calls for Shared Hope and she inquired about what our organization did. I asked if she would be interested in learning more about Share Hope and she said yes. The next time I was in Portland, I took three copies of Linda Smith’s books and gave them to her to pass around their office.

New Year’s eve, my wife Patti and I were invited to play cards with three other couples all of whom attended the church I pastored. The subject of Shared Hope came up. I asked if they had ever read Linda’s books. They replied that they had not. I went to my car and gave each couple a copy of each book including a Defender’s pledge card. I will follow up with each of them and encourage them to take the pledge.

In the past several years it appears to me that more people in the social justice movement have become both aware and active in the fight against Human Trafficking. It seems to me that a week does not go by without seeing an article or TV clip in the paper and electronic media and hour-long programs on sex trafficking can be viewed almost weekly.

Recently I sat and watched three hours of continuous programming on sex trafficking. Because of this increase in public awareness, speaking out against about sex trafficking is easier today than it was several years ago.

Part of our Defender pledge is to become informed and raise awareness. Join me in spreading the News not just on ‘”old Broadway” but at every opportunity.

Ron Hart
Shared Hope International Chaplain
Former Defender Outreach Coordinator

January 7, 2013 by SHI Staff

MSN Causes – Join the Fight! Human Trafficking Prevention Month

Today, some three years later, Brianna fights against sex trafficking by sharing her story. “There is no stereotype of a girl in sex trafficking,” she says. “It doesn’t matter how rich or poor, if she’s white or black, fat or thin, a pimp can look at any girl and find a vulnerability that he can exploit. He might tell a girl that he will hurt her family if she runs.

FULL STORY– Join the Fight! Human Trafficking Prevention Month –

January 2, 2013 by SHI Staff

A Season of Hope

Christmas is now behind us for another year, and new year is here. We as Defenders have assisted in making a huge impact in 2012. Many lives were saved, and many laws were passed to protect women and children in the US. This is incredible news.

To me, the new year is a time of hope and opportunity. This is a time where every person reflects on the past year, acknowledges that what is behind us has already happened, and that we have a new opportunity to bring new life and restoration. That’s why we have New Year’s Resolutions, right? New Year’s Resolutions show that the coming year is an opportunity to change; it’s a chance to make things different. New Year’s is a time of hope because the last year’s baggage is behind us, and we can move on with hope for difference and restoration.

As a fellow Defender, I’m excited for the next year. This last year was truly a great one when it comes to impact, but there is no reason why 2013 can’t be better. I have so many different ideas and hopes for the next year.

What if we are even more motivated than last year? What would happen if every man who has taken the pledge would seriously change his lifestyle so women and children are defended and the demand for commercial sex ceased to exist? What would happen if every man seriously took part 2 of the Defenders pledge seriously, and held their fellow men accountable?

For 2013, I picture a year where every Defender is an active one. I want every man to be committed to ending the demand for such a brutal industry. Men, we all know how brutal commercial sex can be. Why not take that brutality seriously, and truly follow the pledge you have taken? Hold your friends accountable. Take action. Abstain from commercial sex. At the Defenders office, we try to put together as many resources as we can to help each other out. Go to our Defenders Resource page, On this resources page, you’ll find information on the brutal commercial sex industry, you’ll find infographics, and you’ll even find a resource on how to start a Men’s Accountability Group. You’ll also find books, and lists of helpful organizations for you in your fight as a Defender.

So Defenders, this year I’m going to call you out. Together, let’s take 2013 seriously. Let us make it a year where Human Trafficking is ended because there is no demand for it. Share the pledge. Participate in community on our Facebook page. Hold your friends accountable. And most importantly, let your lifestyle end the demand.

New Years is a time of hope. It’s a time of reflection and a plan to change. This is my call to action. Take your identity as a Defender seriously. Together in 2013, we can bring about restoration and ultimately end demand.