Because a human life is intrinsically valuable.
Because human trafficking is a crime that happens internationally.
Because human trafficking happens right here, in our country, in our states.
Because no city, no town is exempt.
Because she is someone’s daughter, someone’s sister.
Because he is someone’s son, someone’s brother.
Because this was not their choice.
Because every child deserves a childhood.

Because it isn’t what you think it is.
Because it is everything you think it is.

Because the coffee beans in your cupboard may have been picked by child slaves.
Because the cotton in your favorite Saturday morning t-shirt may have been picked by slaves.
Because slave labor in the private economy pulls in $150 billion in illegal profits annually.

Because over 35 million people are enslaved in the world today.
Because one is one too many…

Victims are at the center of our model.
Victims are why we have a model, why we must stand for justice.

“The Not Here conference has supported me as a Survivor of domestic sex trafficking because it has given me a voice. A chance to tell my story in a way that I felt heard and respected. Presenting a workshop with another survivor and a therapist was not only encouraging but empowering and it has built a relationship between us. We will continue to work together presenting some of the same material at more conferences! Thank you to everyone that joined together to make a stand against trafficking.”

~ Jasmine Marino, Survivor

“Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

~ Robert F. Kennedy

How many victims are there?

Because of the nature of human trafficking, the exact number of people enslaved in human trafficking today is impossible to define. With research however, the data available is continuing to grow. According to the 2014 Global Slavery Index, an estimated 35.8 million men, women and children around the world are trapped in modern slavery today. The U.S. ranks 145th out of 167 countries for slavery prevalence.

Source: http://www.globalslaveryindex.org/country/united-states/

What industries in the U.S. use slave labor?

“Trafficking can occur in both legal and illicit industries or markets, including in brothels, escort services, massage parlors, strip clubs, street prostitution, hotel services, hospitality, sales crews, agriculture, manufacturing, janitorial services, construction, health and elder care, and domestic service. “ – 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report

Source: http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/226849.pdf