In the fight against human trafficking, it can be hard to know exactly where to begin. At first, the enormity of this injustice can be overwhelming. Women At Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) understands this. But, believe no matter who you are, or where you are in life, you can be a voice for the voiceless.
The U.S. government estimates that hundreds of thousands of American children are at risk of being sold into sexual slavery. This is not an overseas problem. It reaches across gender, age and demographics. It is a heart problem.
Three major components guide WAR, Int’l in its fight against human trafficking. Our goal is to 1) rescue, 2) restore and 3) empower at-risk women, as well as women who have already been exposed to the dangers and traumas of sex trafficking.
WAR, Int’l understands the power of team work and community, which is why we have developed a network of relationships and resources with 170 different organizations around the world in 40 countries. We truly believe in sustainabilityfor the women we work with by providing funds for micro-loans so women can start their own businesses and break cycles of poverty.
As an organization, we personally believe you don’t have to hop on a plane to Thailand to help those engulfed in sexual slavery. While there is a time and a place for that, something as simple as mentoring at-risk kids in poverty right in your community can be a very powerful thing.
Learning about human trafficking in its entirety is also of utmost importance. The reality is that human trafficking is here in our state. Educating yourself on what it looks like in Michigan could actually save a life.
In our fight to rescue, restore and empower, we recognize the need for our community to be alert so we can wrap arms of love and protection around those who need it most.
So, the first step in providing survivors proper care is to get educated. Find out what trafficking is. Then, volunteer your time, talent and treasure to a local organization fighting this injustice.
While this issue continues to grow, we hope that as you seek to empower women around the world, you would personally be empowered to educate yourself,and take action against this injustice.
Take Action: Reach out to us if you have questions about how you can use your talents to end human trafficking. Contact us today at info@warinternational.org. We would love to connect you with the resources you need to get started.
Brittany Jacobson and Jennifer Roberts work for Women At Risk, International – an organization that unites and educates women to create circles of protection and hope around at-risk women and children through culturally sensitive, value-added intervention projects. WAR, Int’l address 14 different risk issues in more than 40 countries, bringing a voice to the voiceless.