Teen narrowly escapes, helps launch program

Brianna was only 17 years old when she was targeted by traffickers while working as a waitress at a Southwest Washington restaurant. With the help of a concerned friend, local law enforcement and Congresswoman Linda Smith, Brianna was rescued only minutes before being taken to Phoenix, allegedly to be sold to traffickers. To help rescue other teens, Shared Hope International, a Vancouver-based anti-trafficking non-profit, teamed up with Brianna and Lacy, two Washington teens who were recruited by traffickers, to share their story. In the 20-minute documentary entitled “Chosen,” Brianna and Lacy, a young woman who was trafficked at 13 years old by a violent pimp, share an honest account of how traffickers recruit, groom and exploit American teens.

Each year in the United States experts estimate at least 100,000 children are sexually exploited by traffickers. Every state has cases of trafficking. The average age at which a child is first exploited is 13 years old.

In efforts to raise awareness about the issue, Shared Hope created a comprehensive resource package that can be used in schools, churches, youth groups and clubs, and at community events to educate teens and their parents on the issue of human trafficking. “Chosen” contains Power-Point presentations, discussion questions, a leader’s guide, action cards and additional resources to assist teachers, youth leaders and community advocates in presenting the material. The 20-minute video is designed to teach teens about the warning signs of trafficking. Brianna and Lacy explain how traffickers use common techniques like flattery, affection, gifts, promises of fulfilled dreams and adventures, financial stability and isolation to recruit teens into the horrifying world of sex slavery. They hope that their stories will make students aware of the tactics traffickers use to lure and manipulate victims into prostitution.

“I didn’t know about sex trafficking until I was in the middle of it. I’m sure you’re like me where you think that sex trafficking wouldn’t affect your life…” Brianna said. “I thought it happened to other girls. I didn’t think it could happen to me. It seems like something so complicated but it’s actually very simple.”

Shared Hope International was founded in 1998 by former U.S. Congresswoman Linda Smith, and exists to rescue and restore women and children in crisis. We are leaders in a worldwide effort to prevent and eradicate sex trafficking and slavery using a three-pronged strategy: prevent, restore, and bring justice. For more information about Shared Hope International, visit http://www.sharedhope.org.

For more information contact Shamere McKenzie at (646) 221-9880 or Shamere@sharedhope.org.