STOP Human Trafficking
Top 10 Facts About The "S" Word from Free the Slaves on Vimeo.
Is this a problem in Houston?
It is a serious concern that is receiving attention in the greater-Houston area. One news article identifies Houston as a hub for human trafficking while The Lost Girls, below, focuses on the harrowing story of one woman called Kiki.
- Mexican Drug Cartels Target Houston Teens: kidnapped, beaten, ransomed & released (chron.com Oct 2011)
- The Lost Girls, a story of the underground forced sex trade in Houston, (TexasMonthly: April 2010)
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"For the thousands of women who have been trafficked into Houston and forced to work as prostitutes in the city’s underground sex trade, escaping from captivity may be the easiest part of the nearly impossible road to recovery. . ." (full article)
- 10 Suspects Arrested in Connection with Human Trafficking Ring: "The crimes alleged in this indictment are unconscionable," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Richard C. Powers. "While we can’t erase the harm done by these horrible acts, the FBI and other members of the Human Trafficking Rescue Alliance will continue to ensure the victims of these crimes are protected and their traffickers are brought to justice." video at khou.com (02/17/2011)
- "Police Watch for Sex Trafficking Ahead of Super Bowl" Associated Press (02/01/2011)
- ABC News Video Report (video)
- Accused cantina sex ring operator arrested in Mexico - Teenagers beaten and forced to work in Houston cantinas (03/02/2010, story)
- Smuggler Sentenced for Trafficking - ties to Houston ring (03/01/2010, story)
- More men victims of human trafficking - "Houston considered a human trafficking hub ..." (07/06/2009, story)
- 5 named in prostitution ring with Houston link (08/25/2009, story)
- Details emerge from sex ring crackdown - 120 women rescued (06/29/2008, story)
Where can you get involved and be informed?
Tomi Lee Grover, Director , TraffickStop, has an excellent website providing information about the serious concern of human trafficking and resources to address it.
The Mission Centers of Houston collects sweatsuits to provide suitable clothing for women rescued from trafficking situations.
Houston Rescue and Restore (HRR) provides education and awareness events.
Children at Risk focuses on information dispersement and effecting public policy changes to improve quality of life for our children. Human Trafficking is one of their target issues.
Redeemed Ministries is a Houston-based non-profit addressing human trafficking concerns.