For Immediate Release
January 8, 2008
Contact: Karrie Delaney
Tel: 703.351.8062 Ex-225
Karrie@sharedhope.org
Human Trafficking Awareness Day is January 11, 2008:
Congresswoman (1994-1999)
Linda Smith Examines Conditions of
Child Sex Trafficking in
America
ARLINGTON VA - This Friday marks the first
annual Human Trafficking Awareness day in the United States.
A resolution passed by the US Senate on June 22, 2007 has forever
marked January 11th as a day of awareness and vigilance for
the countless victims of Human Trafficking across the globe.
Shared Hope International (SHI) - a leader
in the worldwide effort to eliminate sexual slavery – and founder Congresswoman
Linda Smith has launched assessments in 10 U.S. cities that
examine the condition of America’s trafficked youth. These
assessments analyze the identification and treatment of victims
of “domestic minor sex trafficking” (DMST) and will
empower communities to take action. SHI will also launch a nationwide
awareness campaign - featuring amazing undercover footage and
emotional survivor interviews- about the epidemic of American
youth being trafficked in cities across the United States.
Not
Just a Foreign Problem
Most people imagine “human trafficking” occurs
in far away countries with troubled and impoverished governments.
In the U.S. nearly 17,000 people trafficked across our borders
who work as slaves in the form of labor and forced sexual services
come from these other countries. Through its research and field
investigations Shared Hope International reveals that large
numbers of American citizens - children at the average age of
12 - are trafficked locally between American cities and across
state lines.
Finding a Solution
- Victim identification – DMST
victims are often called “child prostitutes” or juvenile
delinquents and treated like criminals when they should be properly
identified and they should receive protection and specialized
services.
- Strong legislation - laws that criminalize traffickers
and buyers while protecting
victims should result
in convictions with appropriate
sentences
- Protection - DMST victims require secured safe
homes and specialized
services that rescue
and restore the children while removing them from the
control of the trafficker/pimp.
About Shared Hope International
Shared Hope International
(SHI) rescues and restores women and children in
crisis. For almost a decade, SHI has worked diligently
around the world in partnership with local groups
to prevent trafficking and to rescue and restore
the victims of sexual slavery. Interviews Reporters
who wish to schedule an interview should contact
Karrie Delaney at 703-351-8062.
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