Committed to the Cause – Working on the Frontline to end Human Trafficking
“It is empowering and uplifting to see how our community partners, working in different sectors, act as first responders to human trafficking. These first responders are identifying, supporting, counseling, sheltering, and seeking justice for those trafficked and holding perpetrators accountable. This year World Day Against Human Trafficking in Persons (July 30) honors first responders as essential to ending this horrific crime as it affects our children, nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters, our friends and neighbors. While this recognition is indeed warranted, it is also important to acknowledge that we cannot stop the fight here.
All of those living in our community must take a stand to join first responders to end human trafficking. It is only then that victims of this crime will feel confident in the life-changing services offered by The Shelter and other first responders, as they will know it is not only a few standing up against this epidemic, but it is the community as a whole. This is even more important today with the pandemic allowing additional exposure to victims.
Please join The Shelter and other first responders to recognize and report human trafficking. Your help will bring us that much closer to making sure no one is affected by this crime again.
I want to personally thank The Shelter’s staff, leadership, Board, Trustees, volunteers, law enforcement, health field, legal system and to all other community supporters for walking along side victims needing a way out. You are all heroes and deserve to be recognized on this day.”
Julie Franklin
COO The Shelter for Abused Women & Children
