This Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we’re shedding light on the link between domestic violence and sex trafficking. Both involve manipulation, isolation, and control, leaving survivors vulnerable. At REST, we offer support through our crisis hotline, emergency shelter, and other services. Learn how you can recognize the signs, take action, and support survivors.
We are excited to announce Elizabeth Hodges as REST's new CEO. With over 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience, Elizabeth is deeply committed to our mission of supporting survivors of sex trafficking. Her extensive background in strengthening communities facing social and economic barriers, along with her passion for empowering vulnerable populations, makes her the ideal leader for REST. Join us in welcoming Elizabeth as she leads us into this next chapter of growth and impact!
Guess what?! A Night of REST is just one month away on Thursday, October 17th! This year’s theme is “Cultivating Courage & Strength,” reflecting the incredible resilience of survivors and our shared commitment to walking alongside them on their healing journeys toward independence. Don't miss out on this inspiring evening—dinner, storytelling, and community, all in support of a powerful cause. Seats are going fast, so secure your tickets before they're sold out. Purchase your ticket today!
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and it's crucial to recognize the high suicide risk among sex trafficking survivors. These individuals face severe mental health challenges, with many suffering from depression, PTSD, and suicidal ideation due to the extreme trauma they've endured. Effective prevention requires trauma-informed care, accessible mental health services, supportive communities, and crisis intervention. Let's raise awareness and support survivors by advocating for better mental health resources to help them heal and prevent suicide. Together, we can make a difference.
Discover the hidden toll of sex trafficking on survivors' mental and physical health, and learn how trauma-informed care and community support are vital for their recovery. Explore the power of holistic healing and find out how you can make a difference. Dive into this compelling blog post to uncover the paths to wellness and empowerment for survivors.
In 2010, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck near the capital city of Port Au Prince, Haiti. More than 1.5 million people were displaced, and 300,000 structures were severely damaged or destroyed. Some cities near the epicenter reported 90% of their buildings lost. The amount of devastation was incomprehensible.
In 2011, sex buyers tipped their hands and disclosed what they believed would dissuade them from using women involved in prostitution. In the comprehensive study, Comparing Sex Buyers with Men Who Don’t Buy Sex Melissa Farley, PHD, Founding Director of Prostitution Research and Education, and Peter Qualliotine, co-founder of the Organization for Prostitution Survivors (OPS), interviewed over 100 sex buyers in hopes of discovering, among other things, any deterrents that would be effective.
On a monthly basis, REST receives inquiries from people all over the country who are considering starting an anti-trafficking organization and are looking for a “how-to.” We are so grateful to be receiving these requests and know first-hand how important it is to learn from others who have gone before you.
It would seem there is cause to despair. Hundreds of girls and young women are being bought and sold for sex every night in Seattle. They are forced to endure repeated acts of violent sexual exploitation for the profit of their traffickers and the pleasure of their buyers.
Last week I opened my internet browser in hopes to catch up with the chatter I’d been hearing about North Korea. Instead of reading about the potential threat of a terrorist attack from a foreign nation, my eyes met an article about domestic terrorism. Predators – traffickers – who have waged war against our children.
Most of the photographs on this website are stock photography, featuring models used for illustrative purposes only. With few carefully evaluated exceptions, we do not publish or share photos of REST clients.
