If you have been victimized or if you are a survivor of trafficking,

please reach out to us immediately for help.

Rescued & Redeemed intake helpline:

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

FOR HELP or HAVE A TIP

1-888-373-7888 or Text 233733

Rescued & Redeemed is a 501(c)(3) Christ-centered, anti-sex trafficking organization

based in the Chippewa Valley of Wisconsin. We are here to serve victims and survivors affected by sex trafficking in whatever capacity they find themselves in. Please reach out to us if you are or you know of someone being abused, or even if you know of an abuser.

We have the resources that could save a life.

THANK YOU and GOD BLESS

Sex trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of commercial sex act. Regardless of the use of force, fraud, or coercion. The terms trafficking and exploitation are often used together when explaining this horrific injustice. Sex trafficking in the United States can look like expensive handbags, designer shoes and unexplained gifts partnered with false promises, threats or use of violence, manipulation and mind control. Often, a trafficker will claim to love a victim or to be their significant other in order to learn vulnerabilities that he or she will exploit to the point where the victim feels entirely trapped.

How Does Trafficking Happen?

TYPICAL HOMELIFE...

We all grow up in a variety of different households, families, parenting styles, jobs, churches, extra-curricular activities – schools, sports, band, youth groups, circles of friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, etc... yet some individuals still feel very alone in a crowded room. Feelings of loneliness and a desire to be valued and loved can look and feel very different for some and this type of vulnerability can be the number one target for what a trafficker is looking for. He (they) will exploit your vulnerabilities by making you believe that you are important, cared for and truly want the best for you. This is called “grooming.”

Trafficking can happen to anyone from any walk of life. Nobody is immune to the grips of a manipulative predator. Traffickers, also known as pimps, cannot be identified by a standard set of characteristics. The single commonality is that they exploit young men and women, boys and girls with their charming manner. Traffickers don't care who you are or where you came from. Your demographics and social status mean nothing to them. They merely see you as an object that fills their pockets and their need for sex and they will do anything to get it.

If you have feelings of loneliness, sadness, feeling disconnected from friends and looking for acceptance, feeling unworthy, etc. PLEASE tell someone, reach out to a family member, friend, or a parent of a friend who will listen. Traffickers are around us and are watching, listening and studying people for their next move. Please don't kid yourself.

TRAPPED

So why don't victims just walk away?

Traffickers oftentimes use manipulation and threats towards your family and friends, to instill fear and control. Becoming dependent on the drugs of their choice, you have no capacity to "simply walk away or even run”, you quickly find yourself in a life you never saw coming. No phone or methods of communication, and many times the trafficker will transport you to places unknown.

If you suspect ANYTHING or see ANYTHING….

SAY SOMETHING! DO SOMETHING!!

CALL 911 or CALL the TRAFFICKING HOTLINE at:

1-888-373-7888 or Text 233733.

This life could be at stake. An observant onlooker who reports his or her concern to the police, could very well be the window to FREEDOM.

KNOW THE WARNING SIGNS

Know the RED FLAGS and WARNING SIGNS of Sex Trafficking:

Signs of physical abuse (Cigarette burns, wounds, bruising etc)
Submissive behavior (Keeping head down in public, not making eye contact (especially with men) not answering questions directly)
Does not have access to any of the following: ID, Birth Certificate, Social Security Card, Insurance Information
Has multiple cell phones
Has prepaid credit cards with no name indicating who they belong to
Branding including scars, tattoos, and piercings
Unexplained absences from work, school, or extra curricular activities
Lying about where he/she has been and who they are hanging out with
New crowd of friends or new friends on Facebook
Has an older boyfriend
Has an excessive amount of cash, condoms, and/or lubricant
Claims to have a “modeling” or “acting” job
Fearful of police and other type of law enforcement/first responders

Questions to Ask Someone If You Think They Are Being Trafficked:

Have you ever had sex for money, somewhere to live, or food?
Can you go out with friends by yourself?
Do you have a curfew that was set by someone other than your parents?
Do you receive a pay stub for the work you do? Otherwise, they’re paid in cash.
Can you leave this job if you wanted?
Do you live with your employer?
What does this person want you to refer to him as? One example: “Daddy”
Do you have your ID? If not, who has it and are you allowed to have it?

91.3 WHEM Radio Podcast - August 2021

00:00 / 14:59