On any given day, an estimated 6.3 million people around the world are forced into commercial sexual exploitation, according to the International Labour Organization. Human trafficking and sexual exploitation exist in every region across the globe, destroying lives, stealing childhoods, and stripping away freedom.
But thankfully, people and organizations everywhere are taking a stand and declaring, “We will not let this evil run rampant without doing everything we can to stop it.”
This is why World Day Against Trafficking in Persons exists. This day brings people, organizations, and advocates together, united in mission and vision to raise awareness, protect the rights of victims, and encourage prevention efforts.
One More Child is proud to be one of the many organizations standing up against trafficking. Our Anti-Trafficking program exists to bring healing and hope to survivors of sex trafficking and to prevent one more from being coerced into it. With a dynamic, trauma-competent approach, our 24/7 Mobile Teams assess needs, help survivors establish goals for long-term restoration, connect survivors to community resources, deliver clinical services, and offer ongoing mentorship from fellow survivors.
We believe human trafficking is not a problem to be solved—it is an evil to be eradicated.
As One More Child advocates and works toward large-scale change to eradicate trafficking, we also prioritize the care of survivors on their journey to healing.
Regina* was one of these survivors.
Escaping a Nightmare, Building a Dream
After surviving sexual assault, 16-year-old Regina’s* life was a nightmare. She was placed in a shelter for safety, all while trying to process her trauma. She searched for a sense of control amid the emotional turmoil. Thinking it was the answer she sought, she chose to run away.
Like many vulnerable youth, she became at-risk to further exploitation and was targeted by a trafficker who exploited her need for safety and stability. Her nightmare grew as sexual exploitation became her daily reality.
Thankfully, law enforcement intervened, and Regina was recovered from her situation and immediately referred to One More Child for individualized, expert care and services. Our Anti-Trafficking Mobile Team began walking alongside Regina, providing therapy, advocacy, and mentorship as she began her healing journey.
With our team, Regina identified goals, processed her trauma, and began envisioning new possibilities for her future. With renewed confidence and support, she applied for college scholarships and interviewed for jobs. Our team also worked closely with Regina’s family, equipping them with tools to better understand human trafficking and how to best support her healing journey.
In a letter to her One More Child survivor mentor, Regina wrote,
“Today marks a year since I was found when I went missing last year, and I just wanted to say thank you so much for all you have done for me. I know we have only met for a little time, but you understand me so well and have truly impacted my life for the better.”
Now Regina’s life trajectory is completely different. While healing is ongoing, she now has resources, skills, and support to pursue her goals and find restoration. Her life is no longer a nightmare—instead, she has dreams for the future.
*Name changed for privacy.
Join the Fight
One More Child is on the front lines of the fight against human trafficking, serving survivors like Regina every day, but we cannot do this alone. We need partners in this mission: organizations, advocates, churches, and individuals standing with us.
Join the fight today! Here are three ways you can get involved:
- Give to support survivors. Your generosity helps meet urgent needs and fuels our life-changing programs.
- Understand the problem. With our FREE online training course, Anti-Trafficking: 101, you will learn how to recognize exploitation and how to respond.
- Learn online safety practices. Our FREE online safety course equips parents and children to recognize digital dangers and protect against human trafficking.
God will one day bring true restoration for the vulnerable, oppressed, and exploited—but until that day, may we be steadfast in pursuing justice for one more child and one more survivor.