Sooner or later, we’ve probably all had the desire to be involved in the rescue of those caught up in sex traffciking. Yet, without an official badge or high-end technology, the average person figures, “what can I do?”
Well, starting this Monday, the answer is: a whole lot more than you probably think.
In an article last week, Nita Belles, founder and author of In Our Backyard, explained:
“We have learned that one of the only places a human trafficking victim can ask for help is in a restroom. Outside of there, eyes are always on them—they are constantly watched and regularly strip searched, so to give them something with the hotline on it to take with them could endanger their safety or even their life.
“That’s why we devised the Freedom Stickers. The sticker provides a number for them to call or text right then, sharing who they are and where they are staying, which is relayed to authorities. The victims can delete the message as they leave the restroom stall so there is no trace of their cry for help when they walk outside the restroom. They can walk away knowing they have been heard and that help is on the way.”
These stickers, required by the new House Bill 3143 to be posted inside all facilities with a liquor licence, are also available for distribution through the public. Sticker kits can be ordered online through In Our Backyard’s website, and come with detailed instructions, further information, and a release form.
This is a great project for community groups, youth groups, students, you name it, to actively provide survivors with a means of escape when they are ready to “make the call.” Groups can order stickers in packets of 100, and distribute them in restrooms throughout their community where victims might see them. We’re especially excite to see seperate stickers for each gender, not ignoring that boys or men may be victims too.
The average person might not have the qualiification or training to break down the doors of a brothel, or set up a sting operation, but through these Freedom Stickers, anyone can now help a victim of sex trafficking find safety from those who are abusing and exploiting her.
