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Released 17 January 2012
AN EVERYDAY BATTLE (FROM THE SALVATION ARMY NHQ BLOG)
Did you know The Salvation Army combats human trafficking across the globe? In fact, we’ve recently stepped up our efforts to fight this ever-present and nonetheless, growing phenomenon of modern-day slavery.
When we think of this industry, red light districts in “other” countries come to mind, but in reality, the U.S. trafficking industry is on the rise; since 2003, the FBI, NCMEC, and CEOS have partnered on the Innocence Lost National Initiative, which targets the victimization of children through prostitution here in the United States. This effort has resulted in the recovery of 918 children, as well as 554 state and federal convictions of those who prostitute children.
Lisa Thompson, National Liaison for the Abolition of Sexual Trafficking at Salvation Army National Headquarters and Coordinator for the Initiative Against Sexual Trafficking, works passionately against human trafficking. She facilitates the education, program creation and resources for local Salvation Army units to recognize the warning signs of human trafficking victims and to be capable of providing the emotional, spiritual and physical assistance needed.
Most recently, The Salvation Army of Oklahoma City took in a woman escaping captivity as a sex slave as part of a Mexican drug cartel. Two weeks earlier, the 19-year old was lured to a hotel via Facebook with the promise of a job. Escaping abuse and captivity, she found her way to The Salvation Army where Major Francina Proctor, who serves on the Human Trafficking Task Force, provided her with much needed support and counseling.
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