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.
During National Volunteer Week (April 21-27), we're celebrating our amazing volunteers who are the heart of our organization. Their dedication to ending sex trafficking inspires us all. We thank them for their tireless efforts and invite others to join our mission. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
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.
At REST, we know that there is a massive overlap in sexually exploited individuals and homelessness. Data shows that 84% of survivors of sexual exploitation have endured homelessness. A local study by Deborah Boyer, Commercially Sexually Exploited Children in Seattle/King County 2019 Update, demonstrated that 46% of sexually exploited youth in our community were homeless at the time of the study—and 66% of them had faced homelessness.
Over the last few months, we’ve carefully evaluated our options from safety, achievability, and financial perspectives, and have decided to reimagine A Night of REST 2020 into a virtual soirée. We will deeply miss seeing your faces (and fancy outfits!) this year—but we wanted to make a safe and wise decision for our supporters, both those who have given in the past and those who will give through this year’s A Night of REST.
There is a lot of talk in recent years about the rise of “slacktivism.” As social media has grown and become an awareness-raising machine, this idea of “slacktivism” has emerged. In short, it is being willing to post/share/comment/like—but be unengaged otherwise. Slacktivism is talking big game about your feelings about issues—but ultimately doing nothing. It is akin to a boat that is ashore. It has potential, but it needs to be brought back into the water to really make the difference that it was intended to.
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.
