News stories like Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell’s years of abuse trafficking young, sometimes under-aged girls, has brought national attention to the horror of sex trafficking. While people understand sex trafficking is a global human rights problem, most people don’t know it’s also a local problem happening right here in our community.
Richmond is one of the top 20 jurisdictions for sex trafficking in the United States as ranked by the Department of Justice and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Greater Richmond’s geographic location and proximity to major highways make it a hub for trafficking activity. Specifically, in Henrico County our main service area, the market for sex trafficking “exploded” along side with the opioid crisis.
Consequently, Safe Harbor opened the first human trafficking comprehensive recovery program in central Virginia in 2017. The program includes shelter, counseling, case management, and life services assistance for survivors. Since opening, the program has been a model for other agencies serving survivors in Virginia and nationally.
One Client-Her Legacy
One client that Safe Harbor served was so grateful to the organization for helping her rebuild her life that she wanted to give back to the program. She came up with the idea of a walk. And the Safe Harbor team helped her bring that idea to life. Clients in the program made signs with facts and figures about human trafficking in the nation and here in Richmond that lined the route.
As we embark on the 5th Annual Walk to End It, we want to honor this survivor and remind people that not only is the walk her legacy but that her purpose was greater: to instill in all survivors a desire to pay it forward, to give back to those that helped us heal.
Paying It Forward
Join others and walk to end human trafficking.
This year's walk will be in person at Dorey Park!
You can walk with us or anywhere and whenever you want — on a sidewalk, track or trail. Walk individually or get some friends and family together to walk with you on November 6.
While there is no fee to register for the Walk, we encourage all participants to raise funds for Safe Harbor's Human Trafficking program. These funds will support survivors of human trafficking, who have been forced into sex work, heal and rebuild their lives.
Participate in 3 Easy Steps:
1. Register and Sign up as a Team Captain, team member or individual.
2. Start fundraising and spread the word. We’ll provide tips and coaching every step of the way, including easy ways to raise funds online. We have great prizes for anyone who raises $100, $250, $500, and $1000.
3. Get out and walk on November 6!
Safe Harbor is committed to providing the support that survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking need to overcome their crisis and to transform their lives. Partner with us to rebuild lives, to pay it forward, and to end human trafficking.
For more information about Safe Harbor and how to access our services please visit www.safeharborshelter.com
