A Reflection on the Empower Conference 2021

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Currently, 49 out of the 50 US States fully criminalize commercial sex buying and selling, meaning that both the prostituted individuals and the person buying, if caught, would face charges. 

There is one point that we agree on with the full decriminalization legislation, and that is that we believe the person who is selling sex (that we at MAP would refer to as a prostituted individual) should NOT be criminalized.

For those in favor of full decriminalization, they would also add to it that they do not believe the person purchasing sex should be criminalized either.  That both selling and buying sex should be legal. 

If you missed the conference, we highly recommend that you register to receive the link to watch the sessions! CLICK HERE 

So, why did we choose to focus on this for our conference this year? 

It began in Washtenaw County, on the East side of Michigan.  The current prosecutor, Eli Savit, issued a policy that stated he would not prosecute consensual commercial sex.  This view is highly problematic because sex buyers will not be held accountable for the harm they inflict.

Eli’s policy began an outcry from the anti-human trafficking community, from our communities to #stopsavit.  Many advocates and organizations joined alongside survivors as they met with Eli to help him understand how his policy will negatively affect addressing trafficking in his county. They urged him, to listen to the voices of the people who were exploited under the guise of “prostitution or consensual commercial sex.”, and to help him understand that his policy will increase the demand for commercial sex and therefore, increase exploitation.  There are not enough willing women and men to fill the demand, so it must be filled somehow.  And the how is trafficking. 

Please join us at equalitymodelmichigan.com to stay informed and updated about ways you can get involved in Michigan.

And so, we were left with the question, “How can we help?” 

If you have followed with us for any length of time hopefully you know that the main focus of MAP is EDUCATION.  So, we set out to do just that.  Educate.  Enter the Empower Conference 2021 with a focus on the Equality Model.  We set out to help educate the public on the harms inflicted by sex buyers, the various legislative models, what is being done/has been done in other states, what survivors are saying about it all, what is being done in Michigan in response to human trafficking, and lastly, what we can all do together about it. 

The lineup of speakers was STACKED.  And we don’t say that to toot our own horn…these men and women are EXPERTS, we are deeply grateful to them for saying yes to this conference.  Six of them are Survivor Leaders and have lived experience of being in the commercial sex trade and two of them are Attorneys who are leading the way in Equality Model legislation.  We could have easily listened to them talk all day.  They informed us with facts, deep conviction, and passion.   

Melanie Thompson kicked the conference off by giving an explanation of the legislative frameworks within the sex industry: full criminalization, partial decriminalization or the Equality Model, legalization, and full decriminalization.  Another part of her presentation that impacted many who attended was her piece on the importance of language and terminology when we refer to “sex work.”  She was incredible and explained the legislative jargon in ways the general public could understand. 

Session Two involved a deeper look at the legislative actions that have happened or are in process in different states.  We heard from Nate Walsh a Human Trafficking Attorney in Maine who has helped lead the Equality Model bill that is set to be voted on soon, Yasmin Vafa also an Attorney and works with Rights4Girls in Washington D.C and has been very involved in legislation there, Brittany Pearson a Survivor Leader and Human Trafficking consultant who has been involved in the recent vetoed vote to decriminalize sex buying in Louisiana and Melanie Thompson moderated the conversation as well as gave her thoughts as someone involved with legislation for the Equality Model in New York.  At the end of their time, they gave advice to us Michiganders on what we can be doing, how we can be learning and educating, petitioning our local governments, and also helping support these other states in the work they are doing. 

Session Three hit to the heart of why we put this conference on, Survivor’s Voices. One of the biggest problems with the Full Decriminalization of prostitution is that the voices of those who have been exploited and abused by the sex trade are further silenced. We heard from Survivor Leaders Bekah Charleston, Cristian Eduardo, Alice Jay, and Alisa Bernard.  One of the questions posed was “What does choice look like in sex work?” This being one of the main positions held by the Full Decrim side, that sex workers have a choice in who they sell to, and what they do with their bodies.  Alisa responded, “We call it a ‘trick’ for a reason.” And Cristian laughed and very clearly stated, “It is a joke…the reality is there isn’t a choice.” We, and others who attended, wished we could have had more time to hear their impassioned call to recognize the reality of fully decriminalizing the sex trade.  Bekah Charleston had a unique perspective as she was involved in a place where commercial sex was legal, Nevada.  She gave insight into what it actually is like to experience legal prostitution. 

Session Four was led by Michigan’s very own Alice Jay!  We were so honored to have her share about the work she is doing with Neighborhood Legal Services to help women and girls exit the sex trade.  They work with the 36th District Court in Wayne County, along with many other support services, to help survivors heal and set them up for future success.  We were encouraged by how she ended, telling us in an empowered voice “Recovery DOES happen, it IS possible!”  We love you Alice and are so encouraged by the work you are doing. We hope we will see more of this across the state! 

We ended the conference with a Call to Action…how can we take what we learned and do something about it? For those of you who attended, we hope this was educational and helpful in your own journeys to understanding the complexities of the sex trade and how legislation plays into it.  We want to continue to encourage you to listen to the voices of survivors.  To learn about all of the legislative frameworks and think critically about how this impacts our most vulnerable fellow humans.   

We welcome the continued conversation!  Spread the news and dialogue.  If legalizing sex work legislation is not in your state or county yet, it will be.  Become an informed citizen, stand as an ally to Survivors, and join with all of us to DO something about it!

Take action by viewing our google drive and utilizing some of the resources. Write to your legislators, to the prosecutors in your county, and help them understand why The Equality Model, or partial decriminalization, is so important. Share on social media and help inform those in your sphere of influence. Invite others to register for the conference so they can view the sessions. (click here!)

Image by silviarita from Pixabay

Mending from Mom Mistakes…by Joanne Ewald

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The following article by Joanne Ewald, founder of Mend on the Move, is reprinted by permission

My mom made mistakes.

The first, was not seeing, or acknowledging the abuse that was happening to me as a child. Secondly, when I did find the courage to tell her, she made the choice to stay with my abuser.

But I loved my mother dearly. So much so that for more than 30 years of my life I refused to see my mom’s role in my abuse. I wanted to protect the mom who didn’t make mistakes.

The mom who was my best friend.

The mom who often doubled over with laughter with me at the silliest of things.

The mom who was always positive, maybe even a bit naive, refusing to let the troubles she had faced in life crack her resilient character.

The mom who loved me fiercely and told me I could be and do anything.

The mom who taught me to appreciate the little things in life, like walking barefoot through warm puddles after a summer rain.

I did not want to betray that mom with my real feelings. So, I pushed them deep, deep inside the recesses of my being.

Then I had children of my own. I could no longer deny the truth. I began to think; ‘I would never have put my child in that position. I would have protected her.’

But in reality, I have made my own mom mistakes. My mistakes may look different, but they were mistakes that, when I look back, were not in the best interest of my children.

We really have no right to compare our mom mistakes. Or rate them either.

I remember my mom and I were once laughing about some childhood memory and my mom said; “see, it wasn’t all bad”

I stared in disbelief and thought; “you don’t get to minimize my pain to make yourself feel better.”

So how do we mend from Mom mistakes?

For starters, we take moms off the pedestal of perfection.

Even our precious moms make mistakes, just like every other human being.

Holding them at unrealistic standards will disappoint us every time.

For moms striving to be the perfect moms they wished their moms could have been, you are chasing an illusion.

Instead of striving for perfection, teach your children that mistakes are a part of life.

Be honest and open about your own shortcomings.

While I may never fully understand it, I believe my mom did the best she  could with the filter of her experiences, personal history and even the time period in which we lived.

For me, true mending came in a counterintuitive way.

Through forgiveness.

But aren’t people who hurt us supposed to pay for the pain inflicted?

But the truth was, I was the one in pain. I was holding myself captive in a prison of bitterness and anger.

But it took years to let it go.

When I was finally able to say; “I forgive you mom”, she had dementia and didn’t understand a word I said.

It was then I knew. Forgiveness had little to do with my mom. Forgiveness was for me.

For letting go of burdens I didn’t need to be carrying.

For coming to a place where love triumphed over the evil that was done to me.

For the peace in my soul.

I thank God that before my mom left this world, I was able to fully appreciate and love her with all my heart.

Mom mistakes and all.

 

MAP Joins Vista Maria Family!

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Enabling further education, engagement and eradication of human trafficking in Michigan and beyond

Since 1883 Vista Maria has evolved to serve a variety of needs for vulnerable youth. Vista Maria’s expertise has been in the area of innovative treatment and services for adolescent survivors and they have been an influential advocate for survivor-focused legislation. Our partnership will strengthen our collective ability to raise awareness, improve training, and broaden our advocacy within the anti-trafficking movement.

The journey began because of the trust and respect that was built over our multi-year relationship. Through this trust and respect for the work each was doing, we realized that our missions complement one another. We decided that together we would be stronger, more effective, and able to build our capacity.

Due to the recent Eugene Miller Fellowship sponsored by the McGregor fund, Angela Aufdemberge, Vista Maria’s CEO, was able to research best practice training and advocacy nationally and globally. Our new partnership will allow us to deliver greater social impact. MAP’s mission to prevent and end trafficking directly impacts Vista Maria’s mission to keep youth safe, to make them strong, and to finds new ways to bring wholeness and possibility to those who need it most.

By combining two of Michigan’s leading human trafficking programs, Vista Maria and the Michigan Abolitionist Project are better positioned to improve awareness, advocacy, and services to combat human trafficking. MAP’s mission is the same, our brand will remain, and our programs, staff, and volunteers will continue to move forward supported by Vista Maria’s board, leadership and infrastructure. We expect to enhance and expand MAP’s high-impact services to train and educate more professionals as well as advocate for heroic survivors across our state.

We are grateful for the support of our partners and donors who make this progress possible!

Review a  FAQ Page for more information or contact us directly at info@map-mi.org

Read: Press Release March 24, 2021

There is Nothing Harmless About Sex Buying

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Reprinting and sharing this article that ran in the Detroit News on March 12, 2021

Opinion: There is nothing harmless about sex buying  (link)

*By Chrissy Hemphill

Recently, Washtenaw County prosecuting attorney Eli Savit announced he would introduce a policy ending the prosecution of sex buyers. This plan and the ideology it represents not only ignores the very people he took an oath to protect, it demonstrates his failure to understand how the sex trade operates.

To some, sex buying might seem like a harmless business transaction. Just a regular guy blowing off steam by paying someone for sex. But spend a day in the shoes of those being bought, tackling the trauma and physical and psychological harm that not one but myriad “regular guys” impart. They have endured years of sexual violence, harassment, brutalities and dehumanization at the hands of these men. Once you hear their stories, we are pretty certain you will conclude there is nothing harmless about sex buying.

Sex trafficking exists because there is a demand for commercial sex, Hemphill writes.

Here is the reality: Sex trafficking exists because there is a demand for commercial sex. If men weren’t buying sexual access to women, girls and trans women and trans youth, there would be no sex trafficking.

Savit wants you to believe that the only harm that happens in the sex trade is because of pimps and traffickers. But here’s the truth: Any sex trade survivor in Michigan or across the country can testify to the horrific harm sex buyers enjoyed inflicting when the door closed and money was exchanged. Sex buyers buy women like objects to fulfill their fantasies, not as human beings with dreams and a capacity for suffering.

The sex trade is predicated on inequality: racial, sex, gender and income. Overwhelmingly, people are first sold into the sex trade as a consequence of systemic vulnerabilities, including histories of childhood sexual abuse, foster care residencies, poverty, homelessness, drug addiction and mental health concerns.

Even in the rare occasion when no third-party profiteer — a pimp, an exploiting boyfriend or an escort service — is in the picture, women end up in the sex trade as a means of survival.

Survivors from Michigan to Maine to Missouri will tell you that the power imbalance between the buyer and the bought is devastating and destructive. Giving a free pass to sex buyers will only embolden rich and powerful men to purchase access to those with less power and privilege.

From a policy perspective, decriminalizing sex buying, which is de facto decriminalizing the sex trade, including brothel-owning, leads to an increase in the demand for prostitution. Nevada, the only U.S. state that allows legal brothels in a few rural counties, has the highest per capita rate of an illegal sex trade — 63% higher than the next highest state. In Amsterdam, a city where sex buying is legal, the city’s mayor seeks to relocate the red light district, stating the legal sex trade is fueling sex tourism and abuse.

Legalizing sex buyers has been tried and is a failed experiment. The harms of prostitution can never be regulated away by legalizing commercial sex establishments. People exploited in the sex trade face physical, emotional and sexual abuse from both third-party exploiters and the sex buyers who drive the market. We don’t need to try this in Michigan and help destroy the lives of vulnerable people with an absence of choices in their lives.

If Savit is serious about protecting our most marginalized, listen to survivors and support the equality model. The equality model decriminalizes and provides services to those sold, while holding accountable those who cause devastating harm — the pimps, brothel owners and yes, the sex buyers.

So before Ann Arbor becomes the next Amsterdam, we urge prosecuting attorney Savit to listen those who have survived the sex trade. Ann Arbor must not give its keys to pimps, brothel owners and sex buyers.

Visit www.stopsavit.com to learn more

Share this article on your social media    #stopsavit

*Chrissy Hemphill is a human trafficking specialist with Avalon Healing Center, formerly known as Wayne County SAFE.

Collaborating to End to Human Trafficking in Southwest Michigan 

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Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) is excited to announce that Southwest Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force (SWMHTTF) has officially joined MAP. SWMHTTF has made great strides creating awareness of human trafficking in Southwest Michigan and now looks to further their reach as a part of MAP.  

SWMHTTF leader Cathy Knauf started the organization in 2012 to educate and bring awareness to the communities of SW Michigan about human trafficking. The SWMHTTF is a collaboration of law enforcement, non-governmental organizations, faith-based organizations and concerned citizens educating others on how to identify trafficking, how to prevent it and how to help survivors. 

Here is a look back at the accomplishments of SWMHTTF over the last 8 years: 

  • The task force was formed in August of 2012
  • SWMHTTF was the first in the nation to partner with TraffickCam on an entire countywidehospitality photo program where pictures of 95% of the hotels and motels in Berrien Co.were uploaded to the FBI server to better help them if trafficking were to occur. 
  • The Safe Action Project was also brought to the Michigan Lodging and Tourism Council by SWMHTTF and was adopted as the official state hospitality training for Michigan..  
  • Partnered with Power Over Predators to bring the nationally recognized program, for free, to any student, staff, or parent.  
  • Raised funds to train over 35% of law enforcement on human trafficking prior to the Michigan State Police taking the lead 
  • Collaborated with Warner Winery to produce the only wine SOS (Support Our Survivors) where 25% of the proceeds go back to help survivors. The bottle includes information about what human trafficking is and the national hotline number.
  • Developed an annual scholarship that goes to students going in to criminal justice, hospitality or healthcare with a heart to help human trafficking survivors 
  • Partnered with students to design and fund billboards on major interstates in SW MI. These students went on to win state and national recognition for their efforts with this anti-trafficking campaign. 

Additionally, countless community events, presentations, survivor stories, and family fun events have been shared. SWMHTTF has made an incredible impact in Southwest Michigan over the last 8 years and now as they become a part of MAP, we seek to combine efforts and continue to make great strides to educate our communities and eradicate human trafficking in Michigan. For more information about MAP educational opportunities and upcoming projects in Southwest Michigan check out our newsletter and social media accounts. 

A Cup of Hope

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A Cup of Hope
– Monthly Webinar Series

On March 23, 2020, the FBI National Press Office published the report, “School Closings Due to COVID-19 Present Potential for Increased Risk of Child Exploitation.” This sparked a conversation between MAP and fellow anti-trafficking organization, Hope Against Trafficking – What can we do to educate and protect our communities against rising concerns? Thus, “A Cup of Hope” was born. We decided to create a virtual space for community members and families to openly learn and discuss various human trafficking-related issues amidst the Coronavirus crisis. Through this ongoing dialogue, we aim to bring awareness and hope to an issue that seeks to manipulate and exploit.

Hosted by:
Hannah McPeak – Director of Education, Hope Against Trafficking
Emily Johnson – Program Coordinator, Michigan Abolitionist Project

Archive of Past Recordings:

        2020

  1. April 1, 2020: How to Keep Kids Safe Online while Working from Home
    >> click here for additional resources!
  2. April 8, 2020: (Part 1) What’s the Problem with Pornography?
  3. April 15, 2020: (Part 2) How Porn Impacts Individuals, Relationships, and Society
  4. April 22, 2020: (Part 3) How to Talk to Your Kids About Pornography
    Special Guest: Michael Joy, Perspectives Counseling
  5. April 29, 2020: Decriminalization vs. Legalization of the Sex Industry
    Special Guest: Clarence Dass, Dass Law Firm
  6. May 6, 2020: Lures of Predators (Part 1) – Victim Recruitment
  7. May 13, 2020: Lures of Predators (Part 2) – Survivor Perspective
    Special Guest: Chrissy Hemphill, Program Director of Hope Against Trafficking
  8. May 20, 2020: Lures of Predators (Part 3) – Juvenile Detention Centers
    Special Guest: Chelsie Coleman, Youth for Christ
  9. May 27, 2020: Lures of Predators (Part 4) – Labor Trafficking
    Special Guest: Valentina Seeley, Regional Director of ICE
  10. June 3, 2020: Demand (Part 1) – What Fuels Human Trafficking?
  11. July 1, 2020: Demand (Part 2) – Shifting Focus, Holding Buyers Accountable
    Special Guest: Alisa Bernard, Organization for Prostitution Survivors (Seattle, WA)
  12. August 5, 2020: Demand (Part 3) – Intervention and Diversion Tactics
    Special Guest: Eli Zucker, Seattle Against Slavery (Seattle, WA)
  13. September 2, 2020: Uncovering the Truth – Wayfair & Other Potential HT Conspiracies 
    Special Guests: Stephanie Marroquin & Monica Krebs, Polaris/National Human Trafficking Hotline
  14. September 10, 2020: (*BONUS EPISODE*) Uncovering the Truth – Live Q&A Session
    Special Guest: Christopher Szczygiel (DE) (FBI)
  15. October 7, 2020:  The Bitter Side of “Sugar Dating”; Explained
    Special Guest: Robin Batten, Washtenaw Area Council for Children
  16. November 4, 2020: A Guide to Ethical Shopping
    Special Guest: Emily Smith, Adored Boutique
  17. December 2, 2020: The Role of Men in the Fight Against Sexual Exploitation
    Special Guests: Ed Price (MSP), David Traugott (Business Professional),
    &  Haris Ahmed (Physical Therapy Student)


    2021

  18. January 6, 2021: Human Trafficking Awareness Month – It’s Time to Join the Movement!
    Special Guest: Joyce Haskett, Lived-Experience Expert/Survivor Leader
  19. February 3, 2021: Should I Make an “OnlyFans” Account? Asking for a Friend…
    Special Guest: Robin Batten, Washtenaw Area Council for Children
  20. March 3, 2021: History of the Women’s Rights Movement
    Special Guest: Dr. Celia Williamson, Emancipation Nation Network
  21. April 7, 2021: Decriminalization of Sex Buying – What’s Next for Washtenaw County?
    Special Guest: Margaret (Peg) Talburtt, PhD
  22. August 4, 2021: Reality and Risks for Runaway and Homeless Youth (RHY)
    Special Guest: May Freck, Common Ground
    >> Click here for additional resources!
  23. September 15, 2021: Safely Navigating the Digital Landscape
    Special Guest: David Mehi, Google Cloud Architect
    >> Click here for David’s PPT slides with additional resources!
  24. October 13, 2021: Racism & Misogyny – Exploitation of Asian Women in Illicit Massage Businesses
    Special Guests: Missy Weismann, SEE: Solutions to End Exploitation
    &  Daniel Russell, Trion Solutions
    >> Click here for further research on the Illicit Massage Industry
  25. November 3, 2021: Human Trafficking Legislation in Michigan
    Special Guest: Kelly Carter, Assistant Attorney General
  26. December 8, 2021: Beginners Guide to Ethical Shopping
    Special Guest: Heather McGannon, Michigan Abolitionist Project
    >> Click here for our “2021 List of Michigan Ethical Storefronts”


    2022

  27. January 5, 2022: Human Trafficking Awareness Month
    Special Guest: Karen Hanks, LMSW, Bethany Christian Services
  28. February 9, 2022: Sex Trafficking and the Hidden Wounds of Trauma
    Special Guest: Felecia Berry, LMSW, Counselor Behavioral Health,
    Ascension Southeast MI Community Health
    >> Additional Resources: Domestic Violence Wheel – Children; What’s Your ACE Score;
    ACE Score and Resilience Assessment; How to Support Someone Who Has Experienced Trauma
  29. June 15, 2022: Addiction, PTSD, & Recovery amongst Sex Trade Survivors
    Special Guests: Brigette Henderson, BSW, Lived-Experience Expert
    &  Allison Mercer, Victim Advocate – HT, Common Ground
  30. July 13, 2022: Labor Trafficking: A Multi-Faceted Approach
    Special Guest: Jacob Swier, Community Outreach & Planning Specialist,
    Wage & Hour Division, U.S. Department of Labor
  31. AUGUST 2022: BACK TO SCHOOL – 5 Weeks of Cyber Safety Tips & Resources!
  32. October 12, 2022: Intimate Partner Violence: Domestic Violence vs. Human Trafficking
    Special Guest: Bobbie Benton, DV Survivor & Advocate, Wenning Touch Advocacy Agency
    & Mollie Sheptanko, Intern w/ MAP, CATW, and Love146
    >> Click here for list of resources referenced throughout episode!
  33. November 9, 2022: Ethical Shopping: An Easy Way to Get Involved this Holiday Season
    Special Guest: Heidi VanderWal, Founder of Crowned Free

You can also visit Hope Against Trafficking on YouTube for the video recordings of each episode. 

Resourcing our Community At Home | The Effects of COVID-19

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Michigan Abolitionist Project (MAP) is committed to continue to provide education to prevent and end human-trafficking. Due to the executive order for social-distancing, we know that many new vulnerabilities may surface in this time. Since many families are confined at home, there is a significant increase in the use of technology in communities across our nation. Therefore, MAP wants to share some important information with you, from some of our most trusted resource providers.

School Closings = Potential Increased Risk of Child Exploitation

The FBI warns that; “Due to school closings as a result of COVID-19, children will potentially have an increased online presence and/or be in a position that puts them at an inadvertent risk. Due to this newly developing environment, the FBI is seeking to warn parents, educators, caregivers, and children about the dangers of online sexual exploitation and signs of child abuse”.

Parents and guardians can take the following measures to help educate and prevent children from becoming victims of child predators and sexual exploitation during this time of national emergency:

  • Educate yourself first about the risks that exist online.
    • Enough is Enough is one of many resources that you can look to for education on internet safety.
    • Shared Hope International has created a parent resource that describes how online predators often work – CLICK HERE to download a digital copy.
    • Fight the New Drug is another great resource that explains in-depth the impact porn can have on our brains, relationships, and society as a whole. Consider watching their free three-part documentary!
    • Shared Hope International has a new series that provides parents excellent internet safety content. Learn more about this series here… 
  • Discuss internet safety with children of all ages.
    • Your voice is more powerful than any parental control – sit your kids down with LOVE and CARE and talk to them about what specific concerns you have (talking with strangers, watching pornography, cybercrime, online bullying, etc.). It’s important for parents to keep the conversation open, shame-free, honest, and loving. Instilling fear may work for a short while, but it’s not a long-term help in keeping the lines of communication open.
    • It may be necessary to create a family agreement for internet use. Consider having your children help in the digital rules process. If they participate in the solution, they’re more likely to comply with what they helped create. Here is an example that may help as a guide – Family agreement SAMPLE ; Enough is Enough has put together some age-based guidelines that may also be useful.
    • Fight the New Drug provides parents with a “Conversation Blueprint” for when you are ready to discuss pornography with your child. With pornography being so easily accessible these days, experts suggest you start the conversation BEFORE they stumble upon it for the first time. It is also said that if you don’t teach your child about healthy intimacy, it is likely they will look to porn for answers.
    • Another excellent resource, Protect Young Minds, suggests the book “Good Pictures Bad Pictures” as an introductory conversation piece for younger children (Make sure to check out their resource page for other helpful guides!).
    • The US Immigration and Customs Enforcement partner with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and recommends a number of age-appropriate tools HERE.
  • Have ongoing monitoring of devices and parental controls as part of your discussion and family agreement.
    • Review and approve games and apps before they are downloaded. Protect Young Eyes provides ongoing reviews of apps that will tell you everything you need to know about the latest trends. You can also stay up to date by signing up for their newsletters (they’ll even send you a Home Internet Safety Quiz!)
    • Keep devices out of bedrooms and control WiFi and data access after 9:30pm.
    • Make sure privacy settings are set to the strictest level possible for online gaming systems and electronic devices.
    • Be aware of what your child is posting on social media sites, along with monitoring their friend list.
    • Additional resource: ChromeBooks Parental Controls
    • For more stringent monitoring, some parents have turned to Bark – which monitors text messaging, YouTube, email, and social media platforms and apps for potential online predators, adult content, sexting, cyberbullying, drug use, suicidal thoughts, and more.

Child Abuse Awareness…

  • Teach your children about body safety and boundaries.
  • Be mindful of who is watching your child for childcare/babysitting, playdates and overnight visits.
  • If your child discloses abuse, immediately contact local law enforcement for assistance.
  • Children experiencing hands-on abuse may exhibit withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, anxiety, depression, not wanting to be left alone with a specific individual, non-age appropriate sexual knowledge, and an increase in nightmares. (fbi.gov)

The Five Disguises

In iEmpathize’s  Empowered Youth Program, they provide a good description of the Five-Disguises exploitative people wear in order to manipulate and deceive. Talk to your youth about these tactics that are often used to deceive people.

Big Porn Seeks to Capitalize on the Pandemic…

Fight the New Drug is an organization that raises awareness on the harmful effects of pornography using science and facts. They tells us that unfortunately, with an increase in time spent on the internet at home, the world is also seeing an increase in the consumption of pornography.  And some porn companies are taking advantage of that, exploiting the isolation, anxiety, and boredom of billions for their own profit.

Pornhub recently posted (March 2020): “Stay home and help flatten the curve! Since COVID-19 continues to impact us all, Pornhub has decided to extend Free Pornhub Premium worldwide until April 23rd. So enjoy, stay home, and stay safe.” 

Fight the New Drug says all of this points to the fact that Pornhub is in desperate need of some positive publicity after multiple cases have recently come to light of abuse victims, rape victims, and sex trafficking victims whose filmed exploitation was found on the site.

  • Watch this YouTube video for a better understanding of the connection between human trafficking and pornography. 
  • Watch MAP’s Hope for the Voiceless video (30 min) to learn more about what fuels the demand for human trafficking in the United States.

Victim Reporting

Reporting suspected sexual exploitation can help minimize or stop further victimization, as well as lead to the identification and rescue of other possible victims. If you believe you are—or someone you know is—the victim of child sexual exploitation:

  • Contact your local law enforcement agency.
  • Contact your local FBI field office or submit a tip online at tips.fbi.gov.
  • File a report with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-843-5678 or online at Cyber Tip Line.

When reporting, be as descriptive as possible in the complaint form by providing as much detail as possible.

Silver Linings

There’s no question that these coming days, weeks, and potential months are going to present new challenges due to COVID-19, but with these new challenges come new opportunities. Our response to these trying times can make all the difference.

Opportunities for families who are home bound:

  • Quality time can increase the quality of your communication with your family, specifically with your growing kids. Have a meal together, play board games, watch movies, enjoy crafts, go on bike rides, learn a new skill, etc. Create the time to have conversations that allow space for your kids to open up.
  • Prioritize personal and family health/wellness (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual)
  • Slow down, rest, and express gratitude.

Be encouraged that this global pandemic is temporary, but the conversations had and good habits developed during this time are lasting.

We are with you, and here for you. Contact our MAP team at info@map-mi.org with any questions/comments/ideas. Together, we can prevent trafficking in the next generation.

Resources: fbi.gov | sharedhope.org | fighthenewdrug.org | protectyoungeyes.com | nnedv.org | enough.org | commonsensemedia.org | ice.gov

Compassion to Action

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The Detroit Building Owners & Managers Association (BOMA) gathered their Community Affairs Committee together to assemble 50 backpacks and 25 cosmetic bags as donations for street outreach efforts, and gifts for at-risk youth.

Programs like this and others, that prevent and address modern slavery and provide supplies and services to survivors, are critical to creating healthy, safe and resilient communities. MAP and our many partners are committed to strengthening our programs and services to address the many root causes of slavery and restore dignity to its victims and survivors.

MAP partnered with BOMA to distribute their backpacks and cosmetic bags across several of our partnering organizations in Michigan, including: Night Angels, Alternatives for Girls, and Beauty for Ashes.

Thank you, BOMA, for collaborating and resourcing our local anti-trafficking organizations!

Click Here for more information on how you can turn your Compassion to Action!