How You Can Help Save a Teen

I recently met Caylee, who works for International Crisis Aid, an organization that combats the commercial sex industry worldwide.  I asked her to share a little more about the problem, so we can be aware of what is happening to our sisters here in the United States and around the world.  Here is what she had to say:

“The commercial sex industry is overwhelming. How overwhelming you ask? Well…it is in fact currently the third largest black market in the world affecting over 12.3 million children and adults who are forced into slave labor or sexual servitude at any given time (2009 Trafficking in Persons Report, which can be found HERE.) Can you imagine? That is more than double the population for the entire state of Missouri.

The University of Pennsylvania carried out research and recently discovered that within the United States there are conservatively 300,000 children at risk for being commercially sexually exploited in the sex trade this year. Wow…and that is just the tip of the iceberg.

After several discussions with the FBI regarding the enormity of this problem in the United States, International Crisis Aid has decided to open the first home for domestic victims of sex trafficking.  As we begin our fundraising efforts for the SAFE campaign we have been consistently confronted with two questions that we love to answer and hope that answering them here might be helpful:

1.  The problem seems overwhelming– is it even worth attempting to change?

YES!  Absolutely! Here at International Crisis Aid we have seen the enormity of this problem in many countries across the globe and understand that it can definitely seem hopeless.  However, we want to assure you…it is NOT.  In fact, people like you are the reason that International Crisis Aid has been able to extend hope to into the lives of hundreds of men, women, and children around the world!  We thank you for your partnership in confronting what seems like a hopeless problem with HOPE that endures!

2.  “DOES THIS REALLY HAPPEN HERE IN THE UNITED STATES?”

The answer, sadly, is…yes.  In fact, it happens all over the United States which is why International Crisis Aid is committed to multiple homes across the United States which will serve women and children who are rescued from these situations with a place for holistic care and rehabilitation.

We understand that this situation is difficult to wrap our minds around.  In fact, we are grateful that the vast MAJORITY of us really have to work to try to understand what these women and children have gone through.

To donate to the work that we are doing to combat sex trafficking, click HERE.

“I’ve been through war zones & refugee camps. Seen orphans, widows, sickness & disease. But nothing grasps my heart like the face of a young girl that has been held captive by sex trafficking.”

– Pat Bradley, President & Founder ICA.