The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act

You have the opportunity to use your voice by contacting your senator today and asking them to co-sponsor the TVPRA and ask that it be brought to the floor for a vote by the full Senate.  

In 2000, a remarkable thing happened on Capitol Hill: the United States championed the cause of freedom by passing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, its first legislature focused on stopping modern-day slavery and human trafficking. The TVPA finally gave governmental teeth to this fight for justice: it established the State Department Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, officially made trafficking a federal crime, and authorized the annual Trafficking in Persons Report, which ranks countries on their efforts to combat trafficking and gives the President power to impose sanctions on countries in order to motivate them to start meeting the minimum requirements. The TVPA revolves around a 3P approach to fighting trafficking: prevention, protection, and prosecution. It is equally concerned with awareness-raising, prosecution of traffickers, limiting the amount of goods made by slave labor, and giving restitution and assistance (including visas) to victims. This critical law stands as a global standard for efforts to combat slavery and human trafficking, and it should be a model for other countries to implement and improve on.


But there is a problem: on October 1, 2011, the TVPA expired. Congress has to reauthorize the law every three years in order to reevaluate and strengthen anti- trafficking techniques, following the changing situations; but Congress has let the law expire. If it is not renewed before Congress goes out of session at the end of the year, the programs and legislature that fight trafficking could be jeopardized, and the United States’ actions to stand up for human rights and liberty around the world will be in danger.

The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) is the bill that will renew the TVPA, and it has already been introduced in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. In order to get the collaboration, political will, and bipartisan support that this bill needs, constituents - you and I - need to let our voices be heard. 

On September 4th, organizations and individuals around the United States will be joining together to for a National Call-In Day. We need to make the ears of Congress members ring with the resounding noise of our support for the TVPRA and the end of human trafficking. If you want to be a part of making history and have a real voice in this fight, then join with the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking and let your opinion be known on September 4th: we want the TVPRA (S 1301) to be passed now!

Take one of these two simple steps today:


Call the U.S. Capitol Switchboard 1-888-427-0530 to be connected to your Senator today!

Visit IJM to commit to call today, September 4th; IJM will provide a sample script, your Senator’s phone number, and a reminder e-mail so that you can take hold of this easy and important opportunity to take action.

A Passion for Aftercare: An Interview with Stacia Freeman from Abolition International

We’re thrilled for the release of Trade of Innocents in the fall and want to invite you into our excitement. We’re interviewing people and organizations on the subject of human trafficking in preparation for the movie. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of our friends. Maybe some of these names will be new to you.

We want you to meet Stacia Freeman, a busy mother of eight who still finds time to nurture her passion for quality aftercare through Abolition International. This organization combats sex trafficking on both the domestic and international scene through accreditation, advocacy, education, and restoration:

1. What exposure to human trafficking led to the formation and your involvement with Abolition International? How did you find out about the needs and how did you know where to start meeting them?

Abolition was started in 2005 by Christian singer, Natalie Grant, when she heard about the plight of so many in India. She founded The Home Foundation. The name was later changed (2011) to Abolition International to reflect our commitment to the work of restoration and outreach. 

I joined the organization in 2006 and really had only a basic understanding of the issue. I became aware of domestic trafficking in 2008 and have been dedicated to helping establish quality facilities that meet the needs of victims emotionally and spiritually, mentally and physically as they move toward healing.  I think there was a big disconnect between the grassroots organizations doing a bulk of the work. Hopefully through the shelter association AISA that is being addressed.

2. How would you describe the role of Abolition International and its impact in the fight to abolish trafficking? 

Abolition International understands that rescue without restoration is pointless. We are committed to establishing a network of providers across the world that place value on the quality of services they provide and recognize the long-term process. As we have continued to learn about the needs of victims, we are working to advocate on their behalf for laws and policies that will help them obtain services and provide payment for ongoing counseling—as well as address issues that affect a victim's access to care or willingness to accept it.

 3. What surprised you the most in learning about human trafficking?

That it happens right here in the US and the victims look the same in terms of trauma, as victims being seen in third world countries have a lot less access to care than we have here.

4. How has your vision been shaped in this process? 

I am an advocate for quality care. I believe it's not enough to provide a service if you aren't going to go the extra mile and do it well. I also feel passionate about the root cause of the issue. In many places, including the US, the cause can be linked to poverty. I believe it is also connected to the lack of strong male role models for many of those who get trapped in the sex trade.

5. How can the average citizen get involved with Abolition International or help in the fight against human trafficking?

First, be an advocate in your community and get people connected to the issue. Be willing to be uncomfortable and educate those in your community about sex trafficking and the dangers of certain situations such as Internet safety and pornography. Visit abolitioninternational.org and buy a blue bracelet for $5 to show your stand for freedom and in the process help us increase thenumber of spaces  in quality facilities to serve victims.

6. What is one of your favorite memories from your time with Abolition International?

The times that I've had the opportunity to talk with survivors—initially as victims and then as survivors—when restoration has taken hold and the light turns back on in their eyes and they start to feel free to dream again!  It makes me realize this battle, even for one, is worth the fight.

7. If you had an entire Saturday free to yourself, what would you do?

I enjoy spending time with my family. I'm the mother of eight, so there is always activity. I also love a good long run to clear my head and a good nap especially when it's raining outside. 

Thank you, Stacia, for sharing Abolition International’s goals with us!

Like what Abolition is doing? LIKE them on Facebook!

Be in the know—FOLLOW  @AbolitionIntl on Twitter.

WATCH Abolition on Youtube and Vimeo .

 Stay current on all the latest news about Trade Of Innocents by visiting our website, or Fanpage, and view our new trailer on You Tube. 

Doctors at War: Fighting human trafficking from a medical perspective

We’re thrilled for the release of Trade of Innocents in the fall and want to invite you into our excitement. We’re interviewing people and organizations on the subject of human trafficking in preparation for the movie. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of our friends. Maybe some of these names will be new to you.

Today, we want to introduce you to Dr. Daniel Bercu from Doctors at War, an organization dedicated to fighting human trafficking from the medical side:

1. What exposure to human trafficking led to the formation and your involvement with Doctors at War?

After watching a 48-hour news show on trafficking, my wife Colette felt led to form a 501©3 non-profit organization called Freefor Life International to help support shelters doing restoration work with survivors.  As co-founder of this organization I had a lot of contact with others working in this arena. 

During the George W. Bush era there was a faith-based initiatives meeting at the White House we attended every year that brought together nearly everyone working to fight trafficking.  As a physician I was struck by the extremely small number of doctors that I had met who were involved in this fight, and as I discussed this with others I realized that the main reason this was true was because they didn’t have a place to ‘plug-in’ in order to become a part of the army fighting this growing epidemic.  That’s when I decided to form Doctors At War.

2. How would you describe the role of Doctors at War and its impact in the fight to abolish trafficking? 

We have 3 primary branches to the work we do:  Service, Advisory, and Educational.

As an overview, I would say that we are an organization that is putting out a call-to-action to healthcare providers around the world, challenging them to get involved in this fight and to find innovative ways to make a difference.  Although we are a relatively new organization, I believe our impact can be transformational.  There are thousands of healthcare workers who have already joined us in the decision to no longer tolerate the predatory crime of human trafficking on innocent and vulnerable individuals. 

SERVICE:  As a healing profession, one focus is to recognize victims in our daily work and to work hard to provide avenues of healing and restoration for survivors.  Other areas of focus include building a database of physicians who will give free care, and humanitarian trips to care for those in need who have been rescued from this life. 

ADVISORY: This can include the establishment of protocols for care, acting as expert advisors to service agencies that have specific questions, and helping medical and nursing schools add a module on trafficking to their curriculum.

EDUCATIONAL:  Areas we work in thus far include providing educational tools, speaking, writing articles, organizing focus groups, developing opportunities for residents, engaging in research.

3. What surprised you the most in learning about human trafficking?

Many things have been a surprise, including how this epidemic has exploded nearly unnoticed by the good people of this world.  But I think the most amazing realization I have had is to understand that we are in the early days of this battle, and each of us can use our creativity and passion to truly become a groundbreaker at such a time as this in history.  The significance of this cannot be overstated.

4. How has your vision been shaped in this process? 

Well, I think my vision has always been large from the beginning.  Still, the more I experience, the bigger that vision has become.  We currently have healthcare volunteers in over 30 countries!   Surprisingly, many are from the Middle East.

5. How can the average citizen get involved with Doctors at War or help in the fight against human trafficking?

The possibilities are endless.  We truly need an army, which includes a large contingency of individuals who are not healthcare professionals.  IDEAS : Put on a fundraiser, start a Doctors At War chapter, recruit healthcare providers you know to join in our work, goon a humanitarian trip to care for survivors, help us put together newsletters, language tools, and videos that will help us tell our story just to name a few.

6. What is one of your favorite memories from your time with Doctors at War?

There are so many!  One of them is presenting our Multilingual Phrasebook (with medical and human trafficking questions in 47 languages) to the annual meeting of task force members in Washington, D.C.  This was a group of 1,000 individuals working on the front lines across the country, and we were honored to have it so well received by these experts. 

And since it is fresh on my mind, we just got a request for a dentist to take care of a trafficking survivor in Washington D.C.  We connected her with both a dentist AND an oral surgeon.  This was a blessing for us, for the NGO that contacted us, for the dentists and staff, and most importantly for the young woman who is starting down the road to restoration and needs to know that there are many out here who will surround her with the love and support she needs in order to turn her pain into victory.  We love to offer practical help that is tangible and can make a difference in an individual’s life.

7. What is your favorite hobby to do on a free afternoon?

Well, as a physician, medicine is still a passion in my life.  I enjoy continually learning.  Aside from our non-profit work though, you might find my wife and I wandering through the huge FleaMarket at the Nashville, Tennessee Fairgrounds looking for an antique find!

Thank you, Dr. Daniel, for sharing Doctors at War’s story with us!

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Stay current on all the latest news about Trade Of Innocents by visiting our website, or Facebook page, and view our new trailer on You Tube. 

Restore NYC

We’re thrilled for the release of Trade of Innocents in the fall and want to invite you into our excitement. We’re interviewing people and organizations on the subject of human trafficking in preparation for the movie. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of our friends. Maybe some of these names will be new to you.

You may recognize the Empire State building, the Rockefeller Center, the Statue of Liberty, and Central Park as some of the distinguishing marks of NYC. Today, we want to introduce you to one more of NYC’s notable facets. Meet Faith Huckel from Restore NYC, a non-profit dedicated to fighting trafficking and empowering survivors in New York City:

1. What exposure to human trafficking led to the formation and your involvement with Restore NYC? How did you find out about the needs and how did you know where to start meeting them?

I first learned about the effects of prostitution in 2002 working as a Social Worker in my native city of Philadelphia. I provided case management and other support services to at-risk mothers. My clients came from a background of poverty and abuse, predominantly sexual abuse and prostitution. One client in particular periodically became trapped in prostitution in order to buy food and clothes for her children. It was then that I realized that the true nature of prostitution is a symptom of poverty.

I moved to NYC in 2003 to attend graduate school at ColumbiaUniversity. This was the same year that President George W. Bush had given a speech to theUN  that concluded with regarding human trafficking as a “modern day form of slavery.”  

A few months later, The New York Times Magazine ran a front coverarticle on human trafficking  in America.   I was shocked after reading this article to learn that an organized transcontinental trade of human beings existed for the purpose of sex. In order to discover more, I made human trafficking the focus of my graduate studies. I was horrified learning about the abuse suffered by victims and became obsessed with finding solutions. I kept asking the question, “What does NYC need most for survivors of sex trafficking?” and to my surprise, received the same answer over and over again, which was the need for safehousing.

Late one night in 2004, sitting at a kitchen table, myself and two friends started brainstorming of different ways that we could affect change in the city.  Unanimously, we all desired to provide safehousing to foreign-born survivors of sex trafficking.

Three years after that conversation, I left my job to launch Restore with a $17,000 grant and my laptop. At the time, there were very few models for serving this population in a way that myself and the other founders had hoped – long-term housing that provides culturally and linguistically tailored services in a warm, home-like environment.

In 2009, Restore hired a program manager and we subsequently began providing services to clients through Queens Criminal Court. Asian women (mostly Chinese and Korean) arrested on prostitution charges were referred to Restore for services through the court’s “Alternative to Incarceration Program” in order to screen for sex trafficking. In October 2010, Restore expanded its programs and opened its doors to the very first long-term safehouse specific to foreign-born survivors in New York City.

Today Restore has served over 340 clients, and will open its second safehouse in NJ in the fall. We have also expanded our outreach services in the courts to include Midtown Community Court (Manhattan) and Nassau County Community Court (Long Island).

 2. How would you describe the role of Restore NYC and its impact in the fight to abolish trafficking?

Restore NYC’s mission is to end sex trafficking in New York and restore the well-being and independence of foreign-national survivors. Working to this end, we:

• Deliver complete care, addressing physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

• Provide safe, long-term housing.

• Support and empower survivors when they cooperate with law enforcement.

• Increase awareness and understanding in the greater community.

• Advocate for effective policies and legislation.

Our role is to reverse the cycle of sex trafficking in NYC and nationally by utilizing a comprehensive effort of advocacy, raising awareness, and providing complete care for survivors.

3. What surprised you the most in learning about human trafficking?

What surprised me the most about human trafficking was the fact that there were so few safehouses in the nation and around the world for survivors. After a woman is either released or escapes slavery, they need a safe place to live and recover. Without the availability of a safehouse, the rates of returning to slavery are enormously high.

4. How has your vision been shaped in this process?

The vision to provide the best quality of care to survivors with an emphasis on holistic, long-term, and culturally and linguistically tailored services (specifically safehousing) has remained the same from the very beginning. The vision has continued to expand to bring advocacy into greater focus through effective policies and legislation.

5. How can the average citizen get involved with Restore NYC or help in the fight against human trafficking?

The average citizen can get involved with Restore NYC by visiting our website and making a financial donation . Each contribution makes a huge impact in helping us to maintain and grow our programs. Individuals can even create a MyRestore page  and donate their birthday or a wedding.

6. What is one of your favorite memories from your time with Restore NYC?

One of my favorite memories at Restore NYC was the day that I received the keys to our first safehouse. I had been dreaming of that day for about six years and to finally see the vision come to fruition was overwhelming. I remember standing in the empty house with the keys in my hand and tears running down my face, feeling so thankful for all of the sleepless nights, hard work, and devoted supporters because every part of the journey was worth it.

7. If you could travel any place in the universe for free, where would you go?

This is such a hard question to answer because there are so many places that I want to go! But if I have to choose, it would probably be India. I have always been fascinated by the diversity and richness of the culture. Also, I love Indian food.

Thank you, Faith, for making us aware of RestoreNYC’s work and the needs in our city!

Be in the know by FOLLOWing @RestoreNYC on Twitter.
Like what Restore NYC is doing? LIKE them on Facebook!
READRestore NYC’s blogs.

Stay current on all the latest news about Trade Of Innocents by visiting our website, or Facebook page, and view our new trailer on You Tube. 

In Business for Freedom: An Interview with Annie Hilton from Freeset Global

We’re thrilled for the release of Trade of Innocents in the fall and want to invite you into our excitement. We’re interviewing people and organizations on the subject of human trafficking in preparation for the movie. Perhaps you’ve heard of some of our friends. Maybe some of these names will be new to you.

We want to introduce you to our friend Annie Hilton, co-founder of

Freeset Global, a Fair Trade organization that offers employment to Kolkata women trapped in the sex trade. Want a Fair Trade shirt or bag, or seeking to custom advertise your business? You won’t want to miss Freeset products!

1. What led to the formation and your involvement with Freeset? How did you find out about the needs and how did you know where to start meeting them?

My husband and our 4 children moved from New Zealand to Kolkata, India in 1999. Naively, we found ourselves living on the edge of the largest red-light area. This prompted us to see what we could do to help those in our immediate neighbourhood. The more we interacted with the women, we heard stories of trafficking and forced prostitution and realised that the women here felt they had no choice but to continue in the sex-trade.

There seemed to be no alternative offered - firstly, by society which deemed them as social outcastes and secondly - poverty kept them trapped in the trade. So we sought to provide them with the choice of freedom. Freeset (set free) was founded in 2001 as a business to set people free.

2. How would you describe the role of Freeset and its impact in the fight to abolish trafficking? 

From its inception Freeset has sought to change the lives of those who have been trafficked or are the daughters and granddaughters of women who have been trafficked in the past. Our mission statement is: In business for freedom. These women are the agents of change for their own lives and for their own community. As they grow in independence, confidence, dignity, and begin to have their lives restored they have the ability to impact others still in the sex-trade.

From 20 women in 2001 to a staff of 200+ by 2012 - we are very aware that there are still an estimated 10,000 women still trapped in the sex-trade. In our future planning we want to be involved in prevention of young girls being bought and sold and will intentionally seek to plant freedom businesses in those areas known to have high incidences of trafficking. We have worked tirelessly in the past 10 years to restore lives, now we want to join in the fight to prevent that from happening in the first place!

3. What surprised you the most in learning about human trafficking?

Even after nearly 13 years - I still grow sad by each and every story I hear of human trafficking. The problem is just so big and so evil. I don't know that I am surprised by it - just deeply impacted to do something about it!

4. How has your vision been shaped in this process?

My vision has certainly been changed and shaped by the amazing women that I am proud to call sisters. As I have heard their stories and journeyed with them I dare to dream that one day, our neighbourhood will no longer be known as a red- light area but rather one of hope and transformation. To hear from them that we (Freeset) need to grow and grow - to reach those 10,000 women still standing in line - then, they are the true visionaries and we are the followers and facilitators of this.

5. How can the average person get involved with Freeset or help in the fight against human trafficking?

What can individuals do to help Freeset? - Then, firstly the answer is easy. Buy a Freeset bag or tee shirt! Our women sew beautiful products and we are proud of what they have achieved. They are not asking for a hand-out - but would prefer to work hard. If you hear of any conferences, sports event or any activity that usually gives out bags or tees - then please pass our details onto them. They can be assured that we, as a company, will work hard to ensure a beautiful product and that all profit is put back into the business so that more girls/women can be given the opportunity of freedom.

 As we look to expand and develop other products and services - then we need help and expertise. Our website advertises vacancies eg. graphic design, garment/fashion manufacturing experience, product development, etc. We have many opportunities for short and long-term volunteers .

If there is to be any impact at all in the global human trafficking arena - it will take all of us as global citizens to stand up and be counted in the fight against it. It is too huge a problem to be tackled by just a few! So please, in your own towns and cities - become informed of the issues - visit or contact organisations that are working in your communities. Become informed, advocate and become a voice for those whose voices have been subdued.

6. What product seems to be the most popular at this time?

Our most popular product at the present is our HOPE bag. This is made of soft jute (burlap) and is lined with organic cotton. Each bag has a sari strip and sari-braided handles made out of vintage sari fabric (a sari is the most common dress of the Indian woman) and each bag is unique. The name of the bag says it all - Hope! Each bag is made by women experiencing Hope!

7. What is one of your favorite memories from your time with Freeset?

I have so many favourite memories – it’s hard to choose. I guess one of my highlights was the birth of little Aditi, now almost 4 years old. Aditi's mum, Dola (I have asked her permission to use her name and story) was one of the 20 of our original Freeset staff. Her mum was in the trade and when she heard we had started asked if we could take Dola as well - she didn't want her daughter to enter the trade.

Over the years, we have watched Dola grow into a beautiful young independent woman who was able to choose her own husband. To be at the hospital when Aditi was born was such a privilege and definitely a highlight! For this tiny wee girl - the cycle had truly been broken!

8. If you could relive any one of your birthdays, which would it be?

My favourite birthday - well that’s easy – it’s Freeset's birthday – September 17^th! Could I relive it? - well I wouldn’t really want to - each and every birthday becomes a milestone as we, as a community celebrate lives restored and dream of freedom for many, many more! 

Thank you, Annie, for sharing Freeset's story with us! Can’t wait to see what other products you guys come up with!

Like Freeset on Facebook.

Follow @Freeset on Twitter.

Watch Freeset on YouTube.

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Stay current on all the latest news about Trade Of Innocents by visiting our website, or Facebook page, and view our new trailer on You Tube.