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’re here with Jeff Barrows, founder
of Gracehaven, a non-profit hard at work to spread awareness and education
about domestic minor trafficking in Ohio and the United States. Gracehaven is
preparing to open a rehabilitation center outside Columbus to girls under 18
who are victims of trafficking:
1. What exposure to human trafficking led to the formation and your
involvement with Gracehaven?
I was exposed to the issue of human
trafficking through my work with the Christian Medical Dental Association . At that time, one of our staff was beginning to interface with
the State Department's Trafficking in Persons office. They were very interested in having a physician look further
into the health consequences of human trafficking. With my background as an
Ob/Gyn, I was initially approached to consider further researching that issue.
How did you find out about the needs and how did you know where
to start meeting them?
By reading various articles on the Internet
and then moving to books. I then connected with the Salvation Army and spoke with someone who was knowledgeable about the issue of
domestic child sex trafficking. I then began researching other facilities in
the U.S. that were working with these victims and visited a couple of
them.
2. How would you describe the role of Gracehaven and its impact in the
fight to abolish trafficking?
Gracehaven is fighting child sex
trafficking in Ohio on three different levels. First, we are raising awareness
of its existence among the general public through public speaking and other
media events. Second, we are actively involved in training various
professionals such as healthcare professionals to identify and rescue victims
of trafficking. Third, we are in the process of developing a comprehensive integrated
rehabilitative facility for victims of child sex trafficking in Ohio.
3. What surprised you the most in learning about human trafficking?
I had three shocks when I learned
about human trafficking. First, that it even existed; second, that there were
literally millions of victims worldwide, and hundreds of thousands here in the
U.S. But the greatest surprise was when I began asking who and what
organizations in Ohio were working to fight it. That was in 2007 and at that
time...no one was involved in addressing the issue of child sex trafficking
here, other than an FBI task force in Toledo.
4. How has your vision been shaped in this process?
With the lack of awareness of the
issue among the general public, it quickly became apparent that our efforts had
to include raising public awareness and training those who are likely to
encounter victims of human trafficking. I was also surprised on several
occasions to learn that those who regularly encountered these victims still did
not really understand all the various push and pull factors that caused the
child to initially become involved in child sex trafficking.
5. How can the average person get involved with Gracehaven or help in the
fight against human trafficking?
We have a list of 24 ways that someone can get involved in human trafficking posted on our
website. [Check out some of these creative ways to make a difference below:]
1. Tell
others- Expose the truth about modern-day slavery.
2. Consume wisely-
Hold businesses accountable and ask corporations to join the fight. Buy Fair Trade products like coffee and chocolate.
3. Watch- Keep an
eye out and don’t turn away. If you suspect slavery or exploitation, call the
national trafficking hotline: 888-3737-888
4. Write- Do you
know any journalists? Encourage newspapers, magazines and television stations
to publish or to write stories about modern-day slavery, and how to stop it.
5. Tourism Matters-
Visit the Trafficking in Persons Report from the State Department. Find out which countries are the
worst trafficking offenders. Write a letter to their travel bureau and tell
them you won’t visit the country until they address the issue.
6. Purchase- Buying products made by survivors helps ensure their self-sufficiency.
7. Make help
available- Place coasters at bars and sleeves for coffee cups to promote the
hotline (888-3737-888). In public places,
disseminate posters, brochures and other materials about trafficking.
8. Fight Sex
Tourism- Ask travel agencies, hotels and tour operators to sign the Code of Conduct for the Protection of Children in Travel and Tourism.
9. Prepare
caretakers- Encourage healthcare providers and law enforcement officials to be
aware of the signs of human trafficking. Download resource guides. Get the information to school
nurses, clinics and urgent care centers.
10. Do what you
love- Use your talents to fight slavery. Do an art project and display it in a
public place. Film a movie on the state of modern-day slavery. Write about the
issue and post it on blogs.
11. Pray…pray…pray…
6. Which superhero are you the most like?
Most of the time, I feel like Clark
Kent...behind the scenes working for justice!
Thank you, Jeff, for
sharing your heart for Ohio and for victims of domestic minor trafficking!
Thank you, Gracehaven , for
the difference you’re making!
Want to be up to date on Gracehaven’s progress on their
rehabilitation center? Like them on Facebook here!
*these pictures are the interior of the Gracehaven House,
where many girls will soon begin healing and restoration
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