sex trafficking Archives - 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

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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.  

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.

Live Illustrator Matt Orley will also return to JuST Conference in 2024 with his session illustrations.

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.

June 13, 2014 by Guest

My 6-Year-Old Daughter Introduced Me to Sex Trafficking

By: Gunnar Simonsen

When my daughter was little she received $30 for her birthday that she could spend on whatever she wanted. Of course, we thought she would want to spend it on a stuffed animal or toy.

But we were wrong. Very wrong.

When her mom asked her what she wanted to spend it on, she asked for the catalog we received from a non-profit humanitarian organization. It was the kind where you could purchase things like goats, chickens, food, and clothing for people in need throughout the world.

We figured she would want to buy some chickens for a family or clothing for a child, tangible items she was familiar with. But as she looked through the catalog, she kept turning the pages until she found what she was looking for.

What she did next, we’ll never forget.

She found the page she was looking for. She decided to spend her $30 to help girls and boys who had been rescued from sex trafficking.

She was 6 years old.

When asked why she chose to spend her money that way, she responded with “as an only child, these are the brothers and sisters I never had. I need to take care of them.”

In that moment I learned that too often the difference between adults and children was simply that children still believe they can change the world.

She went on to raise several thousand dollars to help more children.

Through the eyes of my 6-year-old daughter, this was my introduction to sex trafficking. I would also learn soon after that sex trafficking wasn’t just something that only happened in other countries, it was also happening in my own backyard.

I met up with a friend of mine shortly after my daughter donated her birthday money to aid victims of trafficking. He was blown away by her heart to help others. He then paused, looked me straight in the eye, and said four words…

Don’t let her down.”

It was like a thousand arrows had simultaneously hit their mark. Those four words still pierce my heart to this day.

It has been ten years since my daughter introduced me to sex trafficking. Ten years since she introduced me to brothers and sisters I, too, never had. Ten years since she opened my eyes to this scourge on humanity.

For me, “don’t let her down” meant that with sex trafficking happening in my own backyard, there was work to do.

Since then, I found myself actively engaged in the fight to eradicate sex trafficking. From the incredible inspiration of many new friends (the brothers and sisters I never had) who have survived being sex trafficked to organizations like Shared Hope International and their work to prevent, restore, and bring justice in this fight, my heart’s cry is that maybe, just maybe, my actions have begun to live up to the impact of those first $30.

For certain, there is much work left to be done and sadly too many who need yet to be freed. And so, because a 6 year old paid it forward with everything she had, how could I not go forth and do the same?

On this Father’s Day, I will look back with thankfulness on these past ten years since my eyes were opened. Certainly what I saw was anything but something to be thankful for. However, because of my daughter, I not only saw the effects of sex trafficking, I was now responsible to do my part in ending the cause of sex trafficking, too. In this, I simply could not let her, and the many brothers and sisters that she and I never had, down.

So it is because of her actions that on this Father’s Day, I truly do reflect back on the past ten years with thankfulness. Thankfulness to a daughter that helped me return to that belief I once had as a child, in that perhaps I too can help change the world.

What about you?

June 4, 2014 by Shamere

Unavoidable Destiny | The Abnormal Return Home

As a native of Jamaica, my anticipations of returning home are always filled with excitement and joy. I think of visiting family members, activities and events and the food. While this trip is filled with excitement and joy it is also filled with a bit of nervousness and fear. For the very first time, I will witness the effects of human trafficking on my island home of Jamaica.

In 2007, Shared Hope published the Demand Report which is a “comparative examination of Sex Tourism and Trafficking in Jamaica, Japan, the Netherlands, and the United States.” Through this report I was exposed to the harsh reality and truth that sex trafficking occurs on the small island of Jamaica. In addition to the Demand Report, I delved into the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Report, to further my knowledge on sex trafficking in Jamaica. The TIP report “represents an updated, global look at the nature and scope of trafficking in persons and the broad range of government actions to confront and eliminate it.” Although Jamaica was not included in the first two years of the publication of the TIP report, since its inclusion in 2003, Jamaica has fluctuated from a tier 2, to a tier 2 watch list to a tier 3, the lowest rank possible.

As a child growing up, I do not recall ever hearing or even witnessing anything that can be identified as human trafficking. I do remember hearing conversations about “go-gos” which is the equivalent to a stripper, but these were always adult women. In fact, “go-gos” are looked down upon by many citizens of Jamaica. Since my own trafficking ordeal, I have returned to the island four times and still didn’t see any signs of trafficking. Based on the two afore-mentioned reports, it is evident that trafficking exists on the island despite me not seeing any evidence. Sex trafficking takes a different form in Jamaica compared to America. In America, we have the standard forms of trafficking: pimp control, gang control, familial and survival sex. In Jamaica, sex trafficking mostly takes the form of familial, survival sex and sex tourism. With Jamaica being a third world country, I will definitely conclude that the major reason human trafficking continues to exist is due to the lack of economic opportunities. According to the Demand Report, many residents of Jamaica demonstrate and verbalize their belief that the severe economic situation of Jamaica forces a culture of “making do.” This culture of “making do” leads girls into sexual activity at an early age either by the idea of an opportunity or a better life or through force by parents or guardian as outlined in the Demand Report .

This trip, I will be visiting two homes that provides sevices to victims of sex trafficking (funded by Shared Hope International) on the island, in addtion to visiting some of the places where trafficking occurs and speaking with survivors. I am not sure I am ready to accept this reality. We all know abuse and injustice occurs but we don’t have to deal with it, as we simply place it to the back of our minds. I can no longer leave it in the back of my mind. I am preparing to accept the weigh of confronting, in person, that my country and my people are being scarred by sexual exploitation and violence.

I am really looking forward to speaking with students and survivors on the topic of “overcoming adversity.” Wether it is being a victim of sex trafficking or facing economic hardship, we are all faced with some forms of adversity. Many times, young people simply need a little encouragement and support when faced with adverstity instead of being rediculed. Therefore, I am happy to share about my own adversity, examples of how I am overcoming it and some words of encouragement.

I am very honored to join Shared Hope in Jamaica as we conduct a site visit to our Jamaician partners. I will be blogging while I am there so check back as I take this journey of an abnormal return home. Who knows, you just maybe offered a plate of ackee and saltfish (the national dish) and some festival similar to the picture on your right.

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