Human trafficking is the second-fastest-growing criminal industry on the planet today, with broad and often unnoticed effects occurring right in our own communities. The sale and exploitation of people for sex pose a critical issue in Seattle, particularly impacting young people, those experiencing homelessness, and BIPOC communities.
Snuggling up on your couch can be a powerful act of solidarity in our mission to end sex trafficking. With winter settling in and many of us spending our free time catching up on books, TV shows, and movies, now is the perfect time to hunker down and gain some new knowledge and perspective. By immersing yourself in books and movies, participating in virtual discussions, and supporting organizations actively engaged in the cause, you become a crucial part of the movement.
We invite you to join us in raising awareness about sex trafficking through the power of books and movies. Let's explore how you can make a difference without leaving the comfort of your living room.
Brush Up Your Education:
Start by immersing yourself in informative books that delve into the complex issues surrounding sex trafficking. Consider titles like "Half the Sky" by Nicholas D. Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn or "The Natashas" by Victor Malarek. These books provide eye-opening insights, empowering you with knowledge to better understand the realities survivors face.
Movie Marathon for Impact:
Take advantage of the safety of your own couch to watch some uncomfortable but impactful films that shed light on the harsh realities of sex trafficking. "Sold," "Nefarious: Merchant of Souls," and "Trade of Innocents" are powerful films that tell compelling stories while emphasizing the urgency of our mission.
Share Your Insights:
Your safe haven can be a hub for awareness. Share your insights and learning with your friends and family. Post your recommendations and take-aways on social media to create awareness within your community. Create comfortable reading nooks at home and share snapshots with our social media handle, spreading the message that we all have a role to play in ending sex trafficking—even from our own homes.
When you contribute to REST, you provide sex trafficking victims and survivors with the opportunity to experience safety and comfort. The connection between your contribution and the support REST offers is profound. Your donation directly contributes to providing access to emergency, transitional, and permanent housing for survivors. This means more than just shelter; it means creating a safe and cozy space where individuals can rebuild their lives, regain a sense of security, and embark on a journey towards healing and independence. Your generosity transforms lives and helps REST fulfill its mission of expanding pathways to freedom, safety, and hope to end sex trafficking.
This winter, while the weather is lousy outside, let’s work together to expand pathways to freedom, safety, and hope for victims and survivors. Curl up, get informed, and join us in making a difference from the heart of your home.
Additional Book Recommendations
These books provide varied perspectives on sex trafficking, from personal narratives to investigative journalism, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the issue. It's important to approach these books with sensitivity due to the potentially distressing nature of the subject matter.
"Walking Prey: How America's Youth Are Vulnerable to Sex Slavery" by Holly Austin Smith: Holly Austin Smith explores the vulnerability of young individuals to sex trafficking in the United States, offering insights into the mechanisms that make them susceptible.
"Renting Lacy: A Story of America's Prostituted Children" by Linda Smith: Linda Smith, a former congresswoman, delves into the issue of child sex trafficking in the United States, providing a compelling narrative that advocates for change.
"Girls Like Us: Fighting for a World Where Girls Are Not for Sale" by Rachel Lloyd: Rachel Lloyd, a survivor of commercial sexual exploitation, shares her personal journey and advocates for the rights of girls affected by sex trafficking.
"The Johns: Sex for Sale and the Men Who Buy It" by Victor Malarek: Victor Malarek's exploration of the demand side of sex trafficking, focusing on the buyers and their role in perpetuating the cycle of exploitation.
"The Slave Across the Street: The True Story of How an American Teen Survived the World of Human Trafficking" by Theresa Flores: Theresa Flores shares her own harrowing experience as a victim of sex trafficking in the United States, providing a firsthand account of the challenges survivors face.
“From the Green River to the Lily of the Valley, the Susie Manns Story” by Susie Manns-Bates: From childhood trauma to the streets, Susie Manns faced addiction, sex trafficking, and the grasp of the Green River Killer.
Additional Film Recommendations
The subject matter of these films can be intense and may be triggering for some viewers. Viewer discretion is advised, and it's recommended to approach these movies with sensitivity due to the potentially distressing nature of the content.
“Sex Trafficking in America” (2019): This documentary aired as part of PBS Frontline’s 2019 season. It follows a Phoenix-based police unit dedicated to stopping sex trafficking and relates a survivor’s story.
“Shattered Dreams: Sex Trafficking in America” (2019): This documentary examines the pervasive, dark underworld of sex trafficking in America.
“I am Jane Doe” (2017): This documentary focuses on the legal suits brought against Backpage.com, a classified ad website notorious for sex trafficking. It follows the mothers of victims who sued, their lawyers, and groups who pushed back on attempts to hold Backpage accountable. Perhaps you met Eric Bauer, featured in this film, at A Night of REST last year.
“Eden” (2012): Inspired by a true story, this film follows a Korean-American teenager's experience of becoming a victim of sex trafficking.
“Trade” (2007): A thriller about a Texas cop's mission to rescue a young girl who has been trafficked across the U.S.-Mexico border.
More Resources
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
Interested in facilitating or being a part of a book club or discussion group? Reach out to lisa@iwantrest.com.