Articles

Often, I am asked, why did you start this non-profit? 

In short, because catching online predators, though essential and with the greatest respect and appreciation for those fighting this good fight, means lives have already been devastated and sometimes lost. Prevention is ideal but requires an awareness that most parents don't have. I know because I wasn't aware, I wasn't capable, and I learned the hard way.

In the wake if my experience, I felt called to do everything in my power to enable other parents to succeed where I failed.

How It Happened

In 2015, my child was issued a Chromebook through school and directed to chat rooms to communicate with students and perform schoolwork. I trusted that the school would only direct students to safe and monitored sites. However, one night about 10pm, I heard "ding", "ding", "ding"... it was messages from the chat room. 

When I looked at the screen, I was in horror. There, in a school endorsed chat room were images of pedophilia, inappropriate chats, and more. My initial thoughts were, "How could this be?" "Why is this in a school supported site?" "What has my child seen?"

I did what many of us were taught, "see something, say something.” With electronics in hand, I walked into the local police station. To my utter dismay, they advised there was nothing they could do and suggested I speak with the school resource officer. 

What?!!! Nothing they could do??!!! I was not going to let this go and reached out to the school officer. The officer referred me back to the local police stating this was not something he could address. I was heartbroken, frustrated, angry, scared, and felt like a failure as a mom. My one job is to protect my child and I did not. These officials, good and well-intentioned as such folks in these positions typically are, were not empowered to meaningfully contribute to a solution.

Initial conversations and a little research later, we learned our child's online "friends" who were presenting as fellow students were, in reality, a 56-year-old man 2 states away, a 19-year-old female in Hawaii, and a male from CA. We did a lot of things wrong with how we handled the situation. I share these now knowing they are typical mistakes for a parent in my situation: (1) taking away electronics, (2) reacting out of fear, (3) taking away my trust, and (4) blaming my child for what went on.  

Fortunately, I did two things right: (1) I became involved in fighting trafficking and, even more important, (2) kept communicating with my child.

Over the years, I have learned a great deal more than I knew that night back in 2015. Among those lessons is how much there is that I don't know. I am still learning.

I also overcame a tremendous challenge to find my voice–the courage to speak up.

I encourage everyone, however embarrassed or concerned about public humiliation you may be for yourself or your children, to test the boundaries of your courage. Staying silent is far worse than messing up a message or the nerves around public speaking. Staying silent is, even if for the best of reasons, tantamount to supporting those vile enough to perpetrate the abuse experienced by your child.

Failing to overcome your fear is an extraordinary act. It is heroic and unfortunately necessary. I hope you join us in whatever small way and am planning a secure forum to help others move in this direction. For the moment, please send us a message from the Contact link on our website. 

The Path Forward

Over the years, I have observed growing numbers of rescue and victim-care organizations. These are amazing people–true allies who are essential and focused in an area many of us are unsuited to navigate.

Unfortunately, I've also observed a scarcity of organizations whose sole focus is preventing trafficking at the source by educating children, parents, and extended family members.

I felt drawn to provide parents/guardians with the knowledge, tools, and resources needed to prevent the heartache that comes with helping a child heal from violations such as grooming. Suicidal tendencies, self-abuse, and self-esteem issues are just some of the challenges families face.

There was also a nagging voice that said, "what if my simple efforts could make a difference?" "What if I could help keep a child from becoming a victim?" I knew after this life I could not meet God or worse, a child who was trafficked, and be asked “why didn't you try?” 

Children need adults to protect them. They need adults who will step up, get involved and protect them from the real monsters in life. 

Parent-Focused Awareness and Education: A Key Strategy in Preventing Child Trafficking & Exploitation

Child trafficking and exploitation present major threats to our society, robbing children of their innocence and future potential. In the fight against these heinous crimes, parent-focused awareness and education programs have emerged as a crucial line of defense. By equipping parents with knowledge and tools, we can empower them to protect their children from falling victim to trafficking and exploitation. In this article, we will explore the importance of parent-focused awareness and education in combating these crimes and ensuring the safety and well-being of our children.

• The Significance of Parent-Focused Awareness and Education Programs 

Child trafficking and exploitation are pervasive issues that demand an all-encompassing response. Parent-focused awareness and education programs play a vital role in this response. By imparting information on the signs and risks associated with child trafficking, parents become the first line of defense. They can recognize potential threats and take appropriate actions to safeguard their children.

• Equipping Parents with Knowledge 

Education is a powerful tool in the fight against child trafficking and exploitation. Parent-focused programs provide comprehensive knowledge about the tactics employed by traffickers, making parents more adept at identifying warning signs. By knowing these tactics, parents can effectively protect their children from falling prey to manipulation and coercion.

• Identifying Vulnerabilities and Taking Preventive Measures 

Child traffickers often exploit vulnerable children, targeting those facing difficult circumstances such as poverty, homelessness, or neglect. Parent-focused programs strive to educate parents about these vulnerabilities, enabling them to address their children's needs and reduce their susceptibility to exploitation. By providing emotional support, a safe environment, and proper guidance, parents can cultivate resilience in their children and foster a strong foundation against trafficking.

• Accessing Resources and Support 

Ensuring the success of parent-focused awareness and education programs requires connecting parents with necessary resources. These programs should provide information about helplines, support services, and organizations dedicated to combating child trafficking. By equipping parents with access to these valuable resources, we empower them to act swiftly and effectively. Moreover, supporting parents on their journey strengthens their ability to protect their children and seek justice when necessary.

• Empowering Parents to Initiate Conversations 

Open and honest communication is imperative in preventing child trafficking and exploitation. Parent-focused programs encourage and empower parents to initiate conversations with their children about personal safety, boundaries, and potential dangers they may face. By fostering these dialogues, parents can create an environment where children feel comfortable sharing any concerns they may have, and parents can take proactive measures accordingly.

• Building Collaborative Networks 

Parent-focused awareness and education programs also facilitate the development of collaborative networks. By creating a platform for parents to connect and share experiences, knowledge, and resources, these programs form a united front against child trafficking and exploitation. Through these networks, parents can support and learn from one another while collectively raising awareness about the issue. 

Parent-focused awareness and education programs are a critical strategy in preventing child trafficking and exploitation. By equipping parents with knowledge, identifying vulnerabilities, providing access to resources, encouraging open conversations, and fostering collaboration, we build a strong line of defense against traffickers. Protecting our children's safety and well-being requires the collective efforts of parents, communities, and organizations. Let us continue to invest in parent-focused programs, ensuring the future of our children is free from the horrors of child trafficking and exploitation.

 December 22, 2023 

by Thomas McGregor

Human trafficking persists as a horrific crisis, shattering lives and undermining human dignity. The victims of this heinous crime endure unimaginable suffering, facing physical, psychological, and emotional scars that often persist long after their escape. Amidst this darkness, the beacon of hope emerges through the unwavering support of communities rallying around these survivors.

The journey of a survivor of human trafficking is arduous, fraught with trauma, and marked by the need for comprehensive assistance. Beyond rescue operations and legal interventions, community support plays an indispensable role in the recovery. 

Community support provides a crucial lifeline for survivors by offering a safe space for healing. Often with profound psychological trauma, the presence of empathetic and compassionate community involvement can foster a sense of belonging and trust, essential for recovery. Support groups, counseling services, and community centers tailored to specific needs can serve as sanctuaries where survivors can share experiences and receive emotional support, critical in rebuilding shattered self-esteem and confidence.

“Aftercare plays a pivotal role in the long-term healing and empowerment of survivors, providing them with essential support and resources to rebuild their lives.” -Children’s Voice International

Moreover, the complexities of human trafficking demand a multi-faceted approach to rehabilitation. Communities can offer access to essential services such as healthcare, education, job training, and housing. By collaborating with local organizations and government agencies, communities can provide survivors with the tools they need to reclaim their independence and rebuild their lives.

Community involvement also plays an important role in combating the stigmatization often faced by survivors. Misconceptions and societal pressures can exacerbate their trauma, leading to isolation and re-victimization. By raising awareness and fostering empathy through education campaigns and community initiatives, society can create an environment that welcomes survivors back without judgment, allowing them to be in society without fear of ostracization.

“Victims of human trafficking are especially vulnerable to the debilitating physical and psychological symptoms of trauma resulting from their repeated, intrusive, and long-term abuse. Providers working with this population, in particular with sexually exploited women and girls, emphasize that trauma recovery is critical to a victim’s ability to repair and regain her life. However, there are many challenges to meeting the trauma-related needs of trafficking victims, especially since a comprehensive approach, which includes building basic supports and safety as well as treatment, often crosses multiple systems of care. Building trauma-informed and trauma-specific services offers the promise of identifying and responding to victims where they present (i.e., in other than the mental health system) with services that cover the spectrum of their needs. Building long-term, trusting relationships is at the 7 heart of this work, which requires time and flexible models of engagement and treatment, including peer-to-peer work. In addition to group and individual trauma-specific counseling, a range of alternative therapies offer promise in helping victims build self-esteem, empowerment, and re-connection with themselves and society. For foreign-born victims, promising models that recognize the limitations of individualized Western treatment and the healing potential of culture and community resources show promise.” -HHS.gov

Building robust community support requires concerted efforts from governments, NGOs, businesses, and individuals. Adequate funding, resources, and training for community organizations are imperative to ensure sustained assistance for survivors. Additionally, collaboration between various stakeholders is essential to create a comprehensive support system that addresses the diverse needs of survivors.

The collective impact of positive community support extends beyond individual survivors. It charges a culture with vigilance against human trafficking. By uniting against this grave violation of human rights, communities become active agents in preventing trafficking, advocating for policy changes, and supporting law enforcement efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.

As we work to strengthen those efforts, we must come together as a community and support those in their time of most important need. It is us that is charged with caring for those who have experienced the darkest components of human existence and showing them there is still compassion and light in this world and, that they deserve to experience it.  

CITATIONS: 

• ​​Vital Role of Aftercare in Human Trafficking Recovery – Children's Voice International (childrens-voice.org)
• Treating the Hidden Wounds: Trauma Treatment and Mental Health Recovery for Victims of Human Trafficking (hhs.gov

December 31, 2023

JOC was featured in the local paper. Big thank you to Erica Wilson and Herald-Zeitung.  

https://herald-zeitung.com/news/new-braunfels-nonprofit-aims-to-prevent-child-trafficking-exploitation/article_ceccb022-a5ce-11ee-8914-b3f658f1b022.html

December 1, 2023

 In June 2023, the FBI issued a warning that predators are using artificial intelligent (AI) to create synthetic images for sextortion and harassment purposes.  Malicious Actors Manipulating Photos and Videos to Create Explicit Content and Sextortion Schemes (ic3.gov)