Don't Sell Bodies

Do programs tailored to male survivors of human trafficking need to be structured differently? If so, how?

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 18:08:48 -0400

Answer us now, or join our #DSBchat on twitter on June 24th at 3PM EST.

tracedemeyer: Cleveland’s Horror Is Nationwide...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:51:08 -0400

Cleveland’s Horror Is Nationwide Problem
http://humantrafficwatch.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/clevelands-horror-is-nationwide-problem/ In Aware…
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It’s always easier to think of human trafficking existing “over there”, but really, it’s in everyone’s backyard.

Following on from our successful tweet chats on responsible...

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 15:25:42 -0400

Following on from our successful tweet chats on responsible communication, and effective support, our next will be on the role of men in the movement.

- How can men help end demand for human trafficking?

- How do we better support male survivors?

- Do programs tailored to men need to be structured differently? How?

Come discuss these hot topics and more on June 24th at 12p/3e. And if you know of successful male-focused initiatives and/or male survivor voices who need to be heard, please drop us a line or pass on the info.

U.S. Congressman Praises Ukraine for Leading the Way on Human Trafficking

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:11:33 -0400

U.S. Congressman Praises Ukraine for Leading the Way on Human Trafficking:

Ukrainian aviation employees Monday took part in an innovative workshop, which trained them to identify potential victims of human trafficking. It was hosted by Ukraine’s Ministry of Infrastructure and attended by the humanitarian organization Airline Ambassadors, Ukraine’s Aviation Administration and Interpol.

This is awesome, and something the US should put into place. Employees of transportation businesses could seriously benefit from being able to recognize a situation of trafficking. More than that, it could save a life.

divinexcellence: Jada Pinkett Smith has taken on Human...

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 22:31:00 -0400

divinexcellence:

Jada Pinkett Smith has taken on Human Trafficking with organization Dont Sell Bodies.Human Trafficking is an underrated issue. Unfortunately, we don’t here about many cases other than television dramas and movie. “Between 700,000 and 4 million women and children will be trafficked this year, with the majority being forced to work in the sex trade. In America, there are an estimated 40,000 men, women and children enslaved at this very moment. If everyone who cares takes action, we can end slavery once and for all.” From around the world to our own back yard human trafficking and sex slavery has scared us into believing this is not as serious an issue as it is. Be educated. Be aware. & see what you can do to.

For more information on Don’t Sell Bodies & Human Trafficking, see below:

http://dontsellbodies.org/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/06/19/jada-pinkett-smith-child-trafficking-slavery-spanish_n_1607446.html

Thank you! Always appreciate the support.

Photo

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:57:06 -0400

Oregon Legislators: Stop SB 673 from moving forward

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 20:28:20 -0400

Oregon Legislators: Stop SB 673 from moving forward

WHAT DOES SUCCESSFUL SURVIVOR SUPPORT LOOK LIKE?

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 12:28:00 -0400

A RECAP OF THE SECOND #DSBCHAT

Following on from our successful inaugural #DSBChat exploring responsible communication in the anti-trafficking movement, the second installment of this ongoing series of tweet chat’s explored another topic that is crucial to our cause:

- What does successful survivor support look like, and how can the movement better facilitate survivor leadership?

We started by asking what an ideal survivor support program would look like.

Survivor Support or Survivor Leadership?
Rachel Lloyd of GEMS Girls weighed in with the observation that ownership is a big part of the puzzle:

LCHT argued that while allies play a crucial role in survivor support, organizations not lead by survivors should be pro-active in seeking (and listening to) input from survivors:

Survivors As Whole People
Touching on a common theme brought up in the previous communication chat, Rachel argued that this should result in a more inclusive, empowering, dignified and holistic role for survivors than has so far been presented in much of the movement:

Not For Sale echoed this notion, suggesting that restoration of survivors’ dignity is a much broader challenge than is often recognized - sharing how this insight is put into practice in their programs.

Structuring Programs to Prioritize Empowerment
For GEMS too, it was clear that the conceptualization and structure of the program is key to shaping how it actually meets its goals.

We asked Rachel to share the organization’s core values:

Another theme that reemerged from the previous chat was the desire for survivors to be adequately compensated for their work.

Re-Exploiting the Exploited?
There is a feeling among many that survivors are sometimes re-exploitedin terms of a lack of compensation:

This exploitation also extends to how survivors are sometimes “used” simply for their stories, argued Alex Sajben and Holly Smith:

Practical Support is Crucial
Access to health care, education and (appropriate) mental health services were also key priorities for many, as well as the need to expunge criminal records that are a result of survivors being trafficked:

Domestic Versus International/Labor Trafficking
There was also some discussion of the challenges that are presented by the split between addressing domestic sex trafficking and other forms, such as international sex trafficking and/or labor trafficking:

Sustainable Long-Term Funding
The discussion moved to a consensus that there is not enough funding for survivor support, and the survivor support that does exist focuses too much on “rescue”, and not enough on long-term, strategic support and empowerment:

Reframing the Movement
Part of the challenge, suggested Rachel, is in reframing the very nature of what the movement is and does:

A Survivor Track at Conferences?
Finally, the discussion concluded with a concrete suggestion our Executive Director which seemed to strike a nerve:

Stay tuned for the next #DSBChat topic, and if anyone is interested in pursuing the idea of survivor tracks at conferences, please do reach out.

The United States Department of Homeland Security is taking new...

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 18:21:07 -0400

The United States Department of Homeland Security is taking new steps to help the victims of human trafficking and highlight the horrors of this often hidden crime through the ‘Blue Campaign.’ Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano says ‘It is such an insidious crime that is often not recognized enough. We want to bring it out of the shadows, go after the perpetrators, and we want to make sure victims are taken care of.’ Valerie Jarrett, a senior aide to President Obama, says ‘we really think by raising everyone’s awareness that you will see this isn’t something that’s isolated in certain parts of the country. Everyone has a role to play.’ Some of the new steps that are being taken are the creation of a government tip line as well as a series of public service announcements about trafficking. To learn more about these important new initiatives read this article from USA Today

After A Year Combating Human Trafficking, Houston Coffeeshop Looks for New Location to Continue Fight

Sat, 08 Jun 2013 02:15:56 -0400

After A Year Combating Human Trafficking, Houston Coffeeshop Looks for New Location to Continue Fight:

“We’re working with a half-dozen groups — Children at Risk, Redeemed Ministries, Houston Rescue and Restore,” says Erica, running through the list. “We couldn’t do medical or child care, but we could send funds to them. We could help them the best way we could.”

And they did. Nearly twelve months in, A 2nd Cup has garnered enough of a following thatGOOD and TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie selected it as one of 30 national finalists for their Start Something That Matters campaign. As the only Houston representatives on the list, A 2nd Cup is the city’s best bet to bring the $50,000 prize to an area that could sorely use the coffeeshop’s presence.

Drinking caffeine and fighting human trafficking at the same time? Yes please.

When It Comes to Sex Trafficking, Tech Is Far From Neutral

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 11:56:22 -0400

Many of us live in a bubble where technology is a magical thing, a thing to be fiercely but safely debated on Twitter and in the blogosphere … which is why we don’t realize that tech has become the latest and most divisive actor (along with religion and politics) in discussions about sex trafficking.

When most people think of sex trafficking — a form of violence where people are sexually exploited for commercial purposes — they immediately think of stereotypical images. Like that of a vulnerable girl exploited by a pimp. An innocent schoolkid targeted online by a pedophile. An illicit connection between predator and unwitting prey, made on a site like Craigslist or Facebook.

But domestic minor sex trafficking is more often about young people who are homeless, yet turned away from crowded shelters. About teens exploited by family members (or kicked out of the house for being gay or transgender). Or about youths simply trying to escape other forms of violence. In other words: systemic factors that have little to do with the actions of predators.

This is where technology — which mirrors and magnifies the good, bad, and ugly — complicates, and plays a complicated role, in the human trafficking landscape. Technology may seem like a neutral player in a fractious field, but it’s not.

Read the rest of this story on Wired HERE

Puno: Red Regional Contra la Trata de Personas se reunirá para diagnosticar el problema | Pachamama radio 850 AM

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 10:03:15 -0400

Puno: Red Regional Contra la Trata de Personas se reunirá para diagnosticar el problema | Pachamama radio 850 AM:

A fines de este mes, los integrantes de la Red Regional Contra la Trata de Personas y Tráfico Ilícito de Migrantes, se reunirán para la elaboración del diagnóstico social de esa problemática.

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Wed, 05 Jun 2013 23:06:08 -0400

Blue Campaign by DHS aims to combat human trafficking

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 00:36:51 -0400

Blue Campaign by DHS aims to combat human trafficking:

Through an initiative dubbed the Blue Campaign, the Department of Homeland Security is launching a new website, logo, and mission statement as well as distributing thousands of new posters, tip sheets and public service announcements about trafficking.

The refreshed efforts, part of broad federal push to deal with trafficking, will help more victims be identified, federal officials say. Meanwhile, some trafficking advocates and researchers warn that such a campaign needs to be focused on evidence-based techniques and that clear measures must be used to evaluate its success.

“It is such an insidious crime that is often not recognized enough,” Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano told USA TODAY. “We want to bring it out of the shadows, go after the perpetrators, and we want to make sure the victims are taken care of.”

Survivor Empowerment

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 14:13:30 -0400

The last month has been quite a whirlwind for me. I’ve been on both coasts of the U.S. off and on and a lot has happened. I’ve had the honor and privilege of spending some more intentional, quality time with survivors of human trafficking. I’ve been sitting, reflecting, thinking, talking, dreaming, crying, laughing, loving, and BEING in way that feels new to me.

I am beginning to believe that the marker of successful healing is “getting closer to one’s self.” Obviously, this is subjective. However, never before in my life have I felt that there is space for me to truly be me…ALL of me.

Is this what survivor empowerment means? To bring people closer to themselves – to their true passions, gifts, desires, hurts, and needs?

Over the past few weeks, I’ve spent a lot of time talking about what it means to be a whole person – what it means that my “survivor-ness” is only one part of me. It’s been tricky…because I still feel that the wounds of two decades of slavery are so deeply imbedded in my skin. My fight for internal, psychological freedom is still daily.

The picture above was a gift to me. I shared with a friend how I used to talk to rocks in my front yard when I was growing up (because I wasn’t allowed to have friends and I was not allowed to leave the house. I know…so sad!) I would collect these rocks in a shoebox and my mom would throw them out. Eventually, I gave up and convinced myself that I hated those rocks. My friend drew me this picture as a way to reclaim this experience from my past. She gave me permission to still talk to rocks if I want to, today. To talk to some rocks and leave my worries with them…and to pick up new rocks that represent something I want to keep. She gave me permission to start a new rock collection. That I don’t have to hold that story as just something horrible…that I don’t have to talk to rocks because I have people now, but I can still honor the coping skills I created!

Maybe the fact that I am identified with the term “survivor” is because I haven’t been allowed to identify with the terms poet, writer, lover, rock-collector or friend. For many survivors of human trafficking, “survivor” is a much better term than other terms we have been called.

In spending time with other survivors, I realized that though I have spoken about seeing survivors as whole people – as more than their trauma story – I have not believed that for myself deep down to the core. My survivor sisters and brothers have shown me, and help me to believe more deeply, that I am more than what I went through.

The have shown me the courage it takes to embrace joy and freedom. The bravery it takes to laugh like you’ve never laughed before. And the peace that comes in accepting yourself for who you are.

I have always wanted to be accepted for who I am. I am realizing that that needs to start from within. Others are quicker to accept me for who I am, than I am in accepting myself.

When I think about it this way, empowering survivors to be who they are is really the same as empowering anyone to be themselves.

I hope you will all join me in the #dsbchat @ 12pmPST/3pmEST today, June 3, 2013 to discuss successful survivor empowerment initiatives! Maybe we’ll all learn something about empowering ourselves!

UN News - Tackling demand key to combating global human trafficking, UN rights expert stresses

Fri, 31 May 2013 18:09:10 -0400

UN News - Tackling demand key to combating global human trafficking, UN rights expert stresses:

The global scourge of human trafficking is being fuelled by demand for sexual exploitation, cheap labour, human organs, illegal adoption and forced marriages, says a new report by an independent United Nations human rights expert.

Come talk about survivor-led initiatives with us!

Thu, 30 May 2013 18:40:36 -0400

12 PM PST/3PM EST, on Monday June 3, DSB will be hosting its second ever DSBchat on Twitter. Come add your voice to the fight against human trafficking and enter thought provoking conversation with the hashtag #DSBchat.

All are welcome!

8 ideas ciudadanas para mejorar la Ley de Trata de...

Wed, 29 May 2013 15:37:56 -0400

8 ideas ciudadanas para mejorar la Ley de Trata de Personas

Organizaciones civiles y la Comisión Contra la Trata de Personas del Senado de la República preparan una serie de modificaciones para hacer más eficiente la ley en la materia.

El 11 de noviembre de 2012, el Congreso aprobó por unanimidad le Ley General para Prevenir, Sancionar y Erradicar la Trata de Personas y Delitos Relacionados, la cual establece aspectos relevantes como:

La senadora Adriana Dávila, presidenta de la comisión, dijo que organizaciones de la sociedad civil le han planteado los siguientes cambios a la ley:

- Base de datos: Establecer un Sistema Nacional de Registro de Víctimas para generar información con elementos reales y concretos para atender el problema, pues no hay un diagnóstico claro al respecto.

- Facultades: Establecer con claridad cuáles serán las facultades de los gobiernos federal y locales, así como especificar a la autoridad encargada de investigar y atender la trata de personas.

- Conceptos: Definir con precisión lo que se entiende por prostitución, abuso o explotación sexual y laboral. Para que con ello se repare adecuadamente el daño que sufran las víctimas.

- Protocolos: Detallar el funcionamiento y la operación de lo que tiene que hacer el Gobierno Federal para dar seguimiento y castigar la trata.

- Defender a defensores: Establecer protocolos para proteger a las personas que se dedican a atender a las víctimas de trata, pues están expuestas a represalias de las bandas de tratantes.

- Prevención: Crear un programas a gran escala de difusión y prevención de la trata de personas, principalmente en las escuelas.

- Reglamentación de sexoservicio: Con el objetivo de evitar la trata de personas se propone reglamentar el trabajo sexual a nivel nacional y reconocerlo como un oficio asalariado.

- Armonización:Evitar contradicciones entre las leyes Contra y De Víctimas para que los delincuentes consignados por dicho delito no tengan ninguna oportunidad jurídica de alcanzar la libertad.

Lea mas

dakilaphilippines: Do you know the red flags of human...

Wed, 29 May 2013 00:57:19 -0400

dakilaphilippines:

Do you know the red flags of human trafficking? Watch out for these red flags to know if you or someone you know might be a victim of trafficking. Reblog and you might just save someone’s life.

dakilaphilippines: What is human trafficking?

Mon, 27 May 2013 22:33:38 -0400

dakilaphilippines:

What is human trafficking?