From childhood trauma to years of exploitation, Queen’s life has been marked by unthinkable challenges. Yet, through sheer resilience and the right support, she found the courage to begin rebuilding her life in ways she never thought possible. Discover Queen’s inspiring journey—one of survival, strength, and a relentless pursuit of hope.
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.
We’ve been getting questions about the movie, Sound of Freedom, and imagine you may have seen it too. The movie follows the journey of a former Homeland Security agent who initiates sting operations in foreign countries to find and recover children from sex trafficking. Here are some takeaways we’d like to share after watching the film:
1. Increased awareness of sex trafficking is good and should always center the voices and experiences of survivors.
The more people that know about the issue of sex trafficking, the more likely we are to build momentum toward real change. That’s why we think it’s important to learn from those who have experienced trafficking firsthand and can speak to the most promising practices in the effort to end sex trafficking. Here are a few organizations and accounts we recommend you follow to keep learning about this issue:
2. The film is a great conversation starter, let’s not stop there.
There is much more to understand about the realities of sex trafficking (and how to safely intervene) than was shared through the film. We can help fill in the information gaps at our virtual REST Training Day, open to all community members who want to learn more about this issue and find a way to engage. This training is offered quarterly.
3. Trafficking of children (and adults) happens worldwide, including here in the United States.
An estimated 500-700 youth and likely even more adults are trafficked in the sex trade in King County, WA. Over 600 individuals engage with REST for services each year. The majority are from the area, and many were trafficked for the first time by a parent or family member. By offering financial support or getting involved with REST or other local organizations that combat human trafficking, you can make a meaningful difference!
4. Efforts to address sex trafficking should never put victims in harm’s way and should always ensure adequate long-term safety and recovery support is in place.
While undercover stings can be portrayed as effective, the work to identify victims of trafficking, help them get to safety, and ensure they have access to the long-term resources and support they need requires significant time and resources. Even when reunited with family, or finally in a safe place to sleep at night, the journey of recovery is filled with peaks and valleys, and getting away from a trafficker is just one step in that long journey. It’s critical to ensure holistic supports are set up for the long haul.
By partnering with REST, you are contributing to the holistic support that enables victims and survivors of sex trafficking to find safety and find their pathways to freedom, safety, and hope, no matter how long it takes.
For survivors of sex trafficking, the road to recovery can be extremely difficult. Many have experienced trauma, physical abuse, lack of basic needs, and loss of dignity. This leaves them feeling helpless, scared, and isolated. Some survivors find strength in turning their stories into tools to help other victims and survivors of sex trafficking.
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.
