One of the greatest needs we have in freeing victims of trafficking is caring for them immediately after their rescue. When this happens, it is incredibly important to establish trust. It helps greatly when first-responders can give them a gift. Many have never been given anything, especially for free, so when we provide a backpack with personal items and a gift card to buy more suitable clothes, it goes a long way. These bags run about $150 each and can mean the difference between a victim getting help and returning to the streets. If they trust those around them, they will testify against their trafficker and get help. If not, their trafficker goes free and many times they will go right back to their abuser.
Yesterday, the FA president, a member of law enforcement and I met with security leaders from the hotel and lodging association. Tourism is the biggest market in Orlando. It's also one of the reasons why trafficking exists in our city - people come here to have a good time and are willing to do whatever it takes to have it, even if it means exploiting children.
The officer who was with us has already trained many hotel managers of the signs of human trafficking because, let's face it, prostitution happens often in hotels and needs to be reported. These leaders were eager to do more, so they asked us to share with them what else they can do to help. As a result, they have agreed to supply 150 survivor backpacks! This is a huge blessing and will supply the need for over a year. Praise God!
Later that afternoon, we met with the city commissioner to ask him to help us better care for victims by providing the funds to hire a victim advocate. This person would be present when victims are rescued and help establish trust immediately. He agreed to help us develop the funding!
We are working hard to ensure that as law enforcement does their part to identify and rescue trafficking victims, these kids receive the care they need in order to find complete restoration. Please join me in praying that when victims are rescued, we will provide a loving response to help them immediately.
