‘Girl Rising’ Film + Discussion

FEATURED EVENT GIRL RISING Screening + Discussion SIFF organizes and hosts this Academy Award-nominated film directed by Richard E. Robbins. ‘Girl Rising’ journeys around the globe to witness the strength of the human spirit and the power of education to change the world. Viewers get to know nine unforgettable girls living in the developing world: ordinary … More ‘Girl Rising’ Film + Discussion

Sexual Violence Survivor Seeks to Break Ultra-Triathlon World Record to Encourage People to Be Relentless in Fight Against Human Trafficking

Posted By Ana for The Laredo Sun on February 3, 2014— “Norma Bastidas, a 46-year-old single mom, survivor of sexual abuse and violence, humanitarian, and the first woman ultramarathoner to complete seven ultramarathons on seven continents in seven months in 2009, now seeks to break the world record for an ultra-triathlon by completing 3,536 miles … More Sexual Violence Survivor Seeks to Break Ultra-Triathlon World Record to Encourage People to Be Relentless in Fight Against Human Trafficking

18 Charged With Operating Prostitution and Drug Ring

By MARY PILON for The New York Times on January 30, 2014— “Just days before the kickoff of Super Bowl XLVIII, Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman on Thursday announced charges against 18 people for operating a high-end prostitution and drug trafficking ring. The investigation began 11 months ago, but Mr. Schneiderman said the timing of … More 18 Charged With Operating Prostitution and Drug Ring

SEATTLE: Couple Brings Medicine & Self Defense to Sex Abuse Victims in Vietnam

By Stacy Nguyen for Northwest Asian Weekly on January 9, 2014— “On Dec. 15, Seattle natives Thuy Do and her husband, Jesse Robbins, met Linh Doan, director of One Body Village (OBV) in Cambodia. They had a long day ahead. They would visit two villages, where Do, a doctor, would be examining 30 patients. The … More SEATTLE: Couple Brings Medicine & Self Defense to Sex Abuse Victims in Vietnam

ILLINOIS: Efforts Made to Stop Those Fueling the Sex Trade

Johnson says public awareness is crucial and advises anyone who suspects they know a victim to call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline, at 888-373-7888. Public News Service on January 13, 2014— “In Illinois, thousands of girls and women, some as young as 12, are the victims of sex trafficking, and efforts are underway … More ILLINOIS: Efforts Made to Stop Those Fueling the Sex Trade

CONNECTICUT: Social Workers Say Demand Is Driving Supply in Human Trafficking

By Rachel Chinapen, New Haven Register, on January 30, 2014— “The first time Audrey Morrissey was picked up by a “John,” she got in the car to find a white male flashing his police badge in her face. Morrissey, then 16, wasn’t arrested. Instead, the officer requested a sexual favor in exchange for her freedom. … More CONNECTICUT: Social Workers Say Demand Is Driving Supply in Human Trafficking

FLORIDA: State Working with Business Leaders to Fight Human Trafficking

Posted on WOFL FOX 35 ORLANDO on January 27, 2014— “Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, along with Terry Coonan of Florida State University’s Center for the Advancement of Human Rights, hosted the first anti-human trafficking workshop in Orlando on Monday. Bondi said human trafficking is a $32 billion business worldwide and that more than 27 … More FLORIDA: State Working with Business Leaders to Fight Human Trafficking

NEW JERSEY Works to Curb Sex Trafficking Before Super Bowl

By Katie Zezima and Samantha Henry for The Associated Press on January 23— “Law enforcement agents in New Jersey have redoubled efforts to fight what they worry could be one of the biggest menaces to come with next month’s Super Bowl: sex trafficking. Hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected to descend on New Jersey … More NEW JERSEY Works to Curb Sex Trafficking Before Super Bowl

NEW JERSEY: Students Speak Out Against Super Bowl Sex Trade

Students from Jefferson Township High School created a series of videos highlighting the prostitution and sex slave industry associated with the Super Bowl. (Courtesy of Jenn Krakowski) By Peggy McGlone for The Star-Ledger on January 26, 2014— “They consider themselves modern day abolitionists, focused on human trafficking, prostitution and the sexual exploitation of teenagers around … More NEW JERSEY: Students Speak Out Against Super Bowl Sex Trade

NEW YORK: Super Bowl on Guard for Human Trafficking Criminals

By Yamiche Alcindor, USA TODAY, on January 18, 2014— “Thousands of fans will descend on New York and New Jersey for Super Bowl XLVIII — and experts say human traffickers will be lurking behind them. The criminals, as with past Super Bowls, hope to use the large crowds to sell people forced into prostitution. Their … More NEW YORK: Super Bowl on Guard for Human Trafficking Criminals