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.
We mean well. We don’t intend to be insensitive. But sometimes our words are still hurtful to those who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation. With the help of some people who’ve felt the effect of unintentionally damaging words first-hand, we’ve created this list so we can better communicate love to these individuals.
I spent my childhood being trafficked for sex. When I was five years old, I was raped by my stepfather and uncle. Soon, my stepfather began to pass me around to his friends. This quickly escalated into strangers paying my stepfather for time with me and eventually being sold to a larger client base across multiple states.
“I had no idea this type of help was available.” These were the words that rang in my ears throughout the night and into the early morning, as I counted the hours for the sun to appear. Asmine*, a forty-two year old woman recovered in a coordinated effort between Seattle Police Department’s Vice Squad and Seattle’s anti-trafficking agencies, agreed to go to detox.
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.
