Mission

To provide survivors of sex trafficking and domestic violence both individual and group counseling and support services; we aim to increase public awareness on the national issues of human sex trafficking and domestic violence. We strive to educate adolescent boys and girls on the dangers of commercial sexual exploitation and its gateway to domestic violence and human sex trafficking.

Sex Trafficking

HUMAN TRAFFICKING Human Trafficking is a $31.6 billion industry worldwide (ILO, 2005). It is the fastest growing crime internationally. According to the 2013, Trafficking in Persons Report, 200, 000 to 300,000 U.S. children are at risk of intra- country trafficking every year. In addition, the average age of entry in the United States for a child to enter trafficking is age 12-14.

SLAVERY Slavery is a economic system under which people are treated as property. Slaves may be bought and sold.

SEX TRAFFICKING Sex trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery, widespread throughout the United States today. Trafficking of humans is the second largest criminal industry in the world after drug dealing, and is the fastest growing. Many victims of trafficking are made to engage in prostitution, pornography or exotic dancing.*

PIMPS/TRAFFICKERS Pimps use the increased glamorization of pimp/ho culture, as well as cultural acceptance of demand for victims, to help maintain control of the individual. Pimps are masters of the art of seduction; they are able to identify the vulnerabilities of a specific child and exploit them. They target the youth. Typically older male. They are neighbors, family members, friends, business owners.

Domestic Violence

Abuse is never the victim’s fault. Abuse is a pattern of physically and emotionally violent and coercive (intimidating) behaviors that one person uses to exercise power and control over another. Abusers may use verbal insults, emotional abuse, financial control, threats and/or sexual and physical violence as a way to dominate their partners and get their way.

Here are examples of abuse:

Verbal: Name calling, threats to hurt or kill or put-downs

Emotional: Isolation from others, ridicule, criticism, blame, abuse of pets, accusations of affairs, making account for time, criticism of friends and family or challenging authority with children

Financial or Resource: Controlling money or bank accounts, withholding child support, destroying property, taking keys or purse, running up debts or running credit

Sexual: Constant sexual demands, forcing unwanted sexual acts

Physical: Pushing, kicking, biting, locking in or out of house, slapping, choking, throwing or hitting with objects, threatening to use or using a knife or gun

• All the information is taken from Ohio Domestic Violence Network.