Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Archives - Page 2 of 6

May 23, 2014 by Shamere

Unavoidable Destiny | First Semester Back in College

Education is a very important part of restoration for survivors of human trafficking. However, it can be very challenging at first, especially after a nine year break from school. In my last blog, I spoke about how nervous I was to return to school but that nervousness was quickly drowned by feelings of discouragement once I arrived in Chicago.

Prison would have been a better option. This thought lingered in my mind for several weeks after I moved to Chicago to complete my education. Here I was, in a new city, on a scholarship, at a University with a social justice mission but would rather be in prison. For many people returning to school meant they had to think about how they would pay for tuition, fees and text books but these were of no concern to me since these expenses were already paid. I had to worry about a place to live.

First Day in Chicago — First day in Chicago

Prior to moving to Chicago I thought I would arrive a week before school started, find a place to live, move in and get settled before the start of the semester. A very kind friend offered to open their home to me while I looked for a place of my own. I was under the assumption that crashing on their couch wouldn’t be too bad, it would only be for a short time until I found a place and moved out.

It took two months to find a place to live. Due to my felony conviction, I was denied because I couldn’t pass the background check. I broke down many times just thinking about how I got into this predicament. How could the trafficker use his tactics of manipulation and fear to hold me in exploitation and now, though I’m free, I continue to suffer the consequences of my actions under his direction.

“Why me?” became my solemn cry. I wanted to quit school and move back to D.C. Instead of being in school, I wanted to be in a courtroom fighting on my own behalf. Through the coercion of my pimp, I committed criminal acts, driven by the fear of the brutal torture I received when I was not compliant. Yet, I was punished with a felony and given probation. Although I was free from the physical bars of a prison cell, I felt confined to the reality that my victimization didn’t matter and I will forever pay the price for what was done to me by a gorilla pimp.

Although thoughts of giving up crossed my mind, I didn’t have the guts to quit. I am NOT a quitter but a fighter, determined to succeed no matter how hard it may seem. It seemed I had taken my eyes off my prize—the very reason I was going to school to get my degree. I must fulfill my dream of becoming an attorney and ultimately fight for girls who may end up in my situation so they do not have to face these same struggles. I pressed my way through failing the first half of the semester. It was difficult to focus the attention I needed for school when I had yet to find a home.

I got a glimpse of the sun breaking through my gloomy skies as I remember the One in whom my faith lies. I turned to the only source I know, the One who is able to keep me from falling – Jesus Christ. By March 1, I moved into a brand new apartment, with brand new appliances. The landlord was aware of my background and approved me. With only two months left in the semester, I had work to do. I couldn’t afford to fail the first semester and the library became my best friend. Friday nights when all the students were getting ready to hit the town, I was in the library trying to catch up.

My mentor, Professor Donoghue, author and historian, was my biggest motivator. When I had the look of depression on my face he would always provide me with encouraging words. As part of my scholarship from Loyola, I am conducting research on the history of sex trafficking but Professor Donoghue encouraged me to apply for another fellowship. I applied, doubtful that I would be selected for the fellowship. The Director for the Center of Experiential Learning, Dr. Green, and the Undergraduate Research Program Manager, Dr. Warner, said they were impressed by my application and awarded me with the Social Justice Research Fellowship where I will be conducting research on the bottom girl phenomenon in sex trafficking and presenting my findings at the 2015 Week of Excellence at Loyola University.

A little faith is all it took to get me back on the path of determination. I completed the semester passing every class. Thanks to the other survivors who shared their struggles in returning to school and a host of supporters who continue to motivate and encourage me in my uphill battle.

April 19, 2013 by SHI Staff

Advocating: Will You Join the Cause to End Demand?

Guest Blog Post by Ethan Morrow

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of attending a lobbying event at the Oregon capitol building, in Salem, OR. At the event, hundreds of people advocated for two bills that would help crack down on buyers, and offer better protection for victims of human trafficking. It was very encouraging to see the variety of people that showed up. From pastors and ministers, to college students and children — who took a day off of school to make a difference, a very diverse crowd of people showed up.

It was very encouraging for me to see so many people show up and engage in the process of politics in order to make a difference and protect women and children. In addition to this encouragement, the process of this event was also fascinating. I say this because I got an inside look into the political system. Everyone who lobbied, including myself, got the opportunity to enter into the offices of individual politicians. We got to speak with senators and representatives personally. We got to have a regular conversations, and we got to share our own personal experiences with human trafficking, and why it is important we end it.

I realized that politicians are people too, and they are highly influenced by the power of personal, individual story. A group of students from a Warner Pacific College student club delivered a large stack of hand-written, individually addressed letters that encouraged the politicians to support the bills. People showed up, conversations were had, and we made a huge influence!

That is a testament to the power of taking action. It truly shows that together, we can end demand. Together, we can change society and make a difference. At this lobbying event, the idea of changing the world wasn’t just an idea—it was becoming a reality.

Defenders, we can make a difference. Our stories have impact. We just need to share them. I want to issue a challenge to all Defenders: show up and share your story. At this lobbying event, it was probably 90% women—maybe even more. What if we had a lobbying event that was 50/50, or even 90% or 100% men? Imagine the impact we could make in supporting bills that target the johns and buyers. My fellow Defenders, together, we can end demand. Will you join the cause?

February 5, 2013 by SHI Staff

4 Ways to Fight Sex Trafficking

Anyone can join the fight against domestic minor sex trafficking. Here are 4 simple ways you can take action today. Share them with your friends, family, and coworkers. Let’s each do our part and together end demand for sex trafficking.

1. Write a letter to your local media editor or congressional representative, to inform them
about domestic minor trafficking. Let your representatives and newspapers know that victims of
child sex trafficking exist in every state, even your own. Ask your legislators to commit to providing
safe shelters for victims, and increased penalties for buyers and traffickers. The more phone
calls, letters, and emails your legislator receives, the more action will occur. Visit our “Join the
Cause” page for more information.

2. Fight for justice online! Use social media and blogs to spread the word to your online community
of friends, family and neighbors. Participate and invite your friends to our Facebook or
Twitter accounts. Spread awareness by sharing videos, blogs, articles, pictures and other information
via social media. Join the conversation on YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter or Facebook (for both
the Defenders and Shared Hope).

3. Host or attend an awareness event in your community! How? Host an awareness event, sports
competition, fundraiser, candlelight vigil, march, movie screening, dinner, walk, run, yoga or
Zumba class with free materials and information provided by Shared Hope International.
Who’s in charge? You are! Gather your friends, neighbors and colleagues. We’ll also connect you
with other Shared Hope supporters in your area. Together, we can make a difference!

4. Join the cause! Become an Ambassador of Hope or a Defender. Ambassadors of Hope go
through an online or in-person training to become equipped to speak on behalf of Shared Hope
International. Defenders are men who take a pledge and take action to fight against domestic minor
sex trafficking and the commercial sex industry. Visit www.theDefendersUSA.org for more
information.

Click here to download the “4 ways to take action” pdf

December 13, 2012 by SHI Staff

Sharing the Hope 2012

Sharing the Hope 2012, Shared Hope’s biggest event of the year, welcomed hundreds of guests from 30 states around the country for three dynamic days of education, discussion and celebration in Washington, D.C.

On November 29, Shared Hope released the 2012 Protected Innocence Challenge Report Cards at the Protected Innocence Challenge Press Conference. These Report Cards document Shared Hope’s evaluation of all fifty states’ legislation regarding domestic minor sex trafficking. We were proud to announce 15 states raised their grade! Attendees and news outlets heard from Linda Smith, survivor advocate Shamere McKenzie, survivor advocate Brianna Myers, Detective Bill Woolf (Fairfax County (VA) Gang Investigations Unit), Abigail Kuzma (Indiana Office of Attorney General) and Congressman Ted Poe (R-TX) on the importance of strong state laws to bring justice to survivors.

We welcomed 250 participants at the intensive Do You Know Lacy? training to help professionals and community members identify victims of trafficking and respond effectively. Participants learned from over 20 experts and practitioners from around the nation on how pimps maintain control over victims, the strengths and weaknesses in state laws, and the growing trend of gang trafficking. This Do You Know Lacy? Sex Trafficking Awareness and Response Training presented a collaborative and community-based curriculum to inform various types of responders. Law enforcement, prosecutors, juvenile service providers, community advocates and defenders all learned specific ways to address the issue within their professions.

On Friday, November 30, experts from around the country joined Shared Hope International, The Protection Project from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, and ECPAT-USA to evaluate current service provider responses to domestically trafficked youth and propose promising practices for future responders. Practitioners working with formerly trafficked youth came from across the country and discussed placement options for victims, challenges facing current service providers, and what successful treatment programs for victims look like. Over 500 people from across the globe tuned in to witness this landmark discussion. Watch it here!

Friday night concluded the busy day with a celebration of Shared Hope’s accomplishments over the years. This Sharing the Hope Gala included a welcome address by Linda Smith, prayer by Sean Wrench, and keynote address by Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. A live jazz band entertained guests during the social hour. Guests joined Shared Hope in honoring the 2012 Pathbreaker’s during the award ceremony. Linda Smith presented awards to Ernie Allen, Amy O’Neill Richard, Senior Advisor to the Director at the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, Drew Oosterbaan, Chief of the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Deborah Richardson, Executive Vice President of the Center for Civil and Human Rights. Survivor advocate Rebecca Bender read a moving survivor-written tribute to the Pathbreakers, and survivor advocates Stacy Lewis and Shamere McKenzie presented a dramatic reenactment of a fictional domestic minor sex trafficking victim’s interaction with the justice system. The drama highlighted the lack of concern and resources for these victims that currently hinder identification and care for these youth all around the country.

Sharing the Hope 2012 was an exciting and successful event that enabled community members from around the country to engage in collaborative networking, honest discussion, intensive training, and much deserved celebration for the prevention and end of domestic minor sex trafficking. With the release of the 2012 Protected Innocence Challenge Report Cards, community members can inform themselves, their communities, and their state legislators about the issue to help advocate for stronger state laws.

We hope to see you next year at Sharing the Hope 2013!

December 12, 2012 by SHI Staff

Overcoming the Past: Understanding Through Renting Lacy

Guest Blog Post by Zen Loveall

False beliefs: I use to think that porn, strip clubs, and affairs were all O.K. I thought this was just part of being a guy. I use to think that my wife’s inability to satisfy me sexually was due to a problem with her. I am not hurting anyone. Women in porn and strip clubs want to do what they are doing and I am helping my mistresses by giving them the sex that they need. TV, movies, bars, clubs, advertising, magazines, and the Internet all fully supported these false beliefs.

What was my reality? I was using sex and fantasy for the wrong things and so too much would never be enough. Regular porn, and small amounts use to be O.K., but over time I needed more and more. Eventually, I was a walking dead man that lost total control of his sexual desires, living a fantasy life in my head, destroying my marriage, causing deep harm to the women that came into my life, all while supporting an industry that destroys women and children.

I was afraid of feeling my feelings and I had a lot of bad feelings. I did not understand that you can’t stop the bad feelings without stopping the good ones. I used the objectification of women and fantasy as an escape. Eventually I had no feelings…I was like a walking dead man. I wanted intimacy but bought into the myth that sex with a woman was intimacy. Sure it is a form of physical intimacy, but it is not real intimacy. You cannot have true intimacy with an object and that is what women had become for me. When I was out with my wife or friends I would just check out all the women in the room and spin fantasies in my mind around how these “objects” could satisfy me.

After I started to come out of my delusion, it took me years to turn this around. For over 15 years in my marriage, I made my wife feel less than and defective because she could not meet my insatiable sexual needs. I will have to spend the rest of my life trying to make up for that crime. I spent years in recovery groups around sex and I always use to wonder why don’t I see more strippers and prostitutes in recovery? The book “Renting Lacy” helped me to understand this. Very few of these young women make it into recovery because most of them die. The movie “The Whistleblower” also helped me to understand what I was contributing to.

When I read the book “Renting Lacy” and contemplated all the women and children suffering from this I cried and cried. I can never make that right, but I can support groups like Shared Hope and The Defenders and continue to come out of my delusion, learn to respect women as people, and continue to learn to be present and truly alive.

– Zen Loveall