A Dallas-based non-profit is focusing on helping women and children who have been victims of human trafficking and need to start over.
Kim Robinson, the chief executive officer for New Friends New Life, told The Dallas Morning News that most people are surprised when they realize how close and frequent sex trafficking is occurring.
"Most people have the idea that sex trafficking victims are always kidnapped," Robinson told the news agency. "This idea overshadows the much more common and subtle tactics that traffickers utilize to trap their victims, like grooming."
Robinson said that teens are more susceptible to sex trafficking, but that anyone can actually be a victim. The average age for a victim is 15. She said traffickers can use social media or even schools, parks, malls and group homes while targeting victims. Runaways or homeless teens are more likely to be victims.
"Trafficking has received a great deal of publicity recently with many groups and individuals raising awareness, in addition to heightened efforts to fight this crime by law enforcement and the governor’s office," Robinson said. "However, there is always a need to do more to educate the public, along with businesses and local civic and faith groups — as it takes a multipronged approach to spread broad awareness and make change."
Robinson said last year, five bills became laws that addressed sexual assault and human trafficking. Those five bills went into effect on Sept. 1.
"These efforts were monumental in not only combating trafficking and sexual assault crimes but illustrated the commitment of Texas lawmakers," Robinson said.
New Friends New Life provides counseling; helps to provide food, shelter, and safety; and helps women reach economic empowerment.
"When a survivor reaches a milestone — whether she learns to write a resume, obtains safe housing, or earns her GED — she is engaging in the process of restoration and empowerment," Robinson said. "When women are empowered to live independently and are able to sustain themselves and their children emotionally and financially, a stronger community is created."
She said these women become living proof that you can thrive in life after being a trafficking victim.
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