From Congress to the Brothel

As I mentioned yesterday, I wanted to share a few of the things I learned from Linda Smith's book "From Congress to the Brothels." Shared Hope International actually wants to get the word out so much that they will send you this book for free, which is how I got it.

Here are a few of the things included within the pages that are important to keep in mind about the issue of child sex trafficking:

• Girls are often drugged before they are then trafficked 1000 miles. When they "come to" they have no idea where in the world they are, and don't speak the language.
• Even in the very slim chance that the girl can then escape and return back to her family, they will often turn her away in shame for being a "prostitute"--the very same family that first sold her into the trade.
• Shared Hope International tries a number of different ways to stay highly visible. They have a presence in brothel districts, at sex tourist destinations, and at the other end of telephone hot lines. They are visible through HIV/AIDS clinics and food distribution centers. In many cities, once word gets out that there is a safe place available, girls will come.
• Sadly, many government officials treat the victims of sex trafficking as criminals. Linda writes, "Once the girls are 'discovered,' rather than receiving the rehabilitation and justice they deserve, they are deported--routinely flown to countries far from their birth. The unsuspecting girls are then picked up at the airport from the very same trafficking group they just escaped."
  

There's always more to learn. Please feel free to leave recommendations or suggestions if there are any particular books you think I should be reading--I'd love to hear.

P.S. I forgot to mention that on Saturday we worked on some more beautiful Beloved quilts for Love146 safehomes. I'll try to post additional pictures next time I'm there so you can see them. :)