The terms human trafficking and prostitution are often used interchangeably with one another. When we do this, we make inappropriate distinctions between two similar, but very different, realities. While this seems insignificant on the surface, the consequences of using the wrong terminology can be detrimental.
Read MoreIn his talk, Brooks first explains how human trafficking (inclusive of sex trafficking) is an industry - the fastest growing illegal industry, in fact - to which we all contribute, as consumers with demands for the industry supply. He then elaborates on the specific legal approach to the prostitution industry, which enables a person to gain money for performing sex under voluntary terms.
Read MoreElegantees, the marvelous company we know and love for its amazing annual Dressember collection, is drawing men into the fight in a creative way. FPR, which stands for: “Fight, Protect, Restore,” is a new line of men’s tees introduced in 2018 with the purpose of including everyone in the war against human trafficking.
Read MoreWhile prostitution’s claim as the world’s oldest profession has been widely discredited, it could easily assume a replacement title as the occupation that has withstood the most controversy for the longest period of time.
Read MoreWe can start by understanding that sexual assault occurs in all forms of human trafficking, even what may seem to be intimate partnerships. It is also important to understand the complexity of the dynamics between sexual assault and human trafficking. Once we can understand that, we will be able to develop a compassion for the sufferers and not fall into the victim-blaming mindset. It is easy to look at these situations as bystanders and question why the victim does not seek help from authorities or simply walk away. But knowing and understanding that there is so much more at stake than we can understand is what will allow people to feel safe in coming forward and speaking up.
Read MoreWhat started as a single collection of scarves, handmade in Ethiopia by women overcoming prostitution, has evolved into an ethical lifestyle brand carrying everything from leather goods to handmade jewelry, apparel to footwear. Headquartered in Nashville, TN with operations in Ethiopia, Mexico, and Peru, ABLE is rooted in its core mission of ending generational poverty by providing economic opportunity for women.
Read MoreSoon after earning his college degree in anthropology, Timmerman journeyed to meet the people who made his underwear in Bangladesh, his jeans in Cambodia, his t-shirt in Honduras, and his flip-flops in China.
Read MoreWhen beginning to research human trafficking statistics, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the differing numbers that you find. There are many prominent organizations whose websites list the number of trafficking victims in the world, but many of them record largely differing numbers. It’s important to note this difference in numbers, however, as you advocate and fight for the individuals trapped in trafficking.
Read MoreThe following are name brands I have shopped in the past couple of years because of their response to the rising tide of conscious consumers.
Read MoreI learned that poverty in the developing world leaves the poor vulnerable to more than just hunger or cold — it leaves them vulnerable to exploitation and violence, with little to no hope of justice in a corrupt law enforcement system skewed against them. This disturbing reality is known as the Locust Effect.
Read MoreAnd then the Dressember team announced that we could run in our own towns! I think I screamed with glee, or at least wanted to. Organizing a race here in Dover, DE would be a great way to get my own community involved in the fight to end trafficking. I was left with no excuse.
Read MoreThe number of people in slavery today is colossal. It’s daunting. It hurts. And yet, we sit here, reading these articles on our phones or computers––in America, in Canada, in Europe, everywhere across the globe––with anger brewing inside of us. And we stay seated. Why?
One of the ways we can support victims of human trafficking is by providing funds for legal services so that survivors have access to Victim’s Rights Attorneys who will fight for them to receive justice as outlined in United States laws. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act, commonly referred to as the TVPA, is attempting to make the application of these US laws easier.
Read MoreWhen we open a dating app and swipe right, we typically never imagine a scenario where we are going to be communicating with a trafficker. As the digital age has progressed, the use of dating apps has become a norm. This rise in dating app usage has also been linked to numerous cases of human trafficking across the market.
Read MoreInternational Women’s Day is here. In the spirit of women empowerment, let’s talk about the many ways that we can support and empower those around us to promote the #BalanceforBetter.
Read MoreWhat if I told you superheroes were real? That everyday, all over the world, superheroes were fighting some of the worst crimes. Would you believe it?
Read MoreThe bystander effect is a psychological phenomenon that occurs when there is a large number of people around during a crisis or emergency. What ends up happening is that no one acts or calls for help, because each person is assuming that another person will make the call.
Read MoreIf you’re still not sure what you want to be when you grow up, I have a suggestion for you: you want to be Elle, creator of the ELLERALI fashion brand. Creative, driven, intelligent, and sincere, there is so much to admire about this LA-based marine-biologist-turned-upcycled-fashion-designer. I had the privilege of having a conversation with Elle recently and learned just how much she and her brand have to offer the world.
Read MoreFreedom exists hand in hand with bondage and only occurs when there is something one has to be freed from in the first place. Therefore, freedom as a state of being can’t exist long-term. Don’t get me wrong – freedom is incredibly beautiful. All people deserve to be loosed from their chains, whether physical, emotional, or mental; and brought into a place where they can grow into and live out who they are. However, it can be easy to forget that freedom is not the end goal.
Read MoreLast spring, Dressember’s Communications Manager, Madeline MacDonald, and I had a chance to grab a cup of coffee (and lavender tea). Before long, our conversation began to touch on some typically controversial areas and questions surrounding human trafficking. There was one question in particular that we continued to grapple with:
Can one be both pro-sex while also being anti-sex trafficking?
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