F.R.E.E. International

Great job to the multiple agencies involved in this human trafficking sting. Police made 42 arrests during a proactive operation to arrest people accused of being s*x buyers, child predators, and individuals involved with s*x trade and trafficking.


Full Story: https://www.abc15.com/news/region-northeast-valley/scottsdale/42-people-arrested-during-human-trafficking-operation-in-scottsdale

This is why finding them is so important. This is why we have the BIG SEARCH.

According to the National Runaway Switchboard, 1 out of 3 teen runaways will be recruited into s*x work within the first 48 hours of being on the streets.

People being trafficked May be able to *physically* leave their situations. However, people in trafficking situations stay for more complicated reasons.

Some lack the basic necessities to physically get out—such as transportation or a safe place to go. Some are afraid for their safety. Some have been so effectively manipulated that they do not identify at that point as being under the control of another person.

Rescue takes time, and survivors need support. This is why our activities to embrace and empower survivors are critical.

KEEP KIDS SAFE ONLINE: It’s more important than ever to ensure that kids stay safe on the internet. The internet is a great resource for finding information, but it’s essential that you are aware of the potential dangers. Make sure you know what your kids are searching for.

Here are some safety tips for kids to remember when using the internet:
Don’t give anyone your password, name, address, the name of your school, or any information about your family

Don’t talk to strangers on the Internet

Don’t agree to meet anyone in person that you’ve met online

Don’t fill in a profile that asks for your name and address

Don’t visit a chat room without an adult’s / parent’s permission

Don’t stay online if you see something you think your parents won’t like

Don’t post pictures of yourself without your parents’ permission

Do not download or install anything on your computer without your parents’ permission

If you have any questions about something you read, ask your parent or guardian If you are talking to someone online and they make you uncomfortable, remember you don’t have to talk back to them

For more information about Internet safety, check out the McGruff Safe Kids new and improved Internet Safety Kit. The kit includes eight pages of information and advice on social networking sites, Internet predators, cyber-bullying and more.

IT'S FRIDAY!
We hope your weekend is great.

Are you interested in bringing the Big Search to your city or participating in a Big Search event? Find out more at https://www.freeinternational.org/thebigsearch/ or by sending us a message.

*xtrafficking

Rays star shortstop Wander Franco has been accused of human trafficking in addition to his existing charges of s*xual abuse and exploitation of a minor. Authorities in the Dominican Republic made new accusations against Franco, filing additional charges of illicit migrant smuggling and human trafficking.
The victim's mother also faces charges in the investigation, after prosecutors revealed Franco had paid her thousands of dollars to consent to his relationship with the minor, which reportedly lasted four months.

Good job to all the investigators involved in the Dominican Republic! Also, this follows the statistics we know- most survivors of trafficking are trafficked by someone they know.

Full Story: https://www.fox13news.com/news/rays-shortstop-wander-franco-facing-human-trafficking-charges-d-r-case-authorities

Until all are FREE we fight!
We search for the missing.
We reach out to the exploited.
We care for the lost.
YOU are a part of that and we are so grateful!
Please give today towards the fight on our website at the link in our bio.
*xtrafficking

"Human trafficking victims are often forced, through s*xual, physical and/or psychological violence, to perform work under slavery-like conditions.

Tactics used by recruiters, traffickers and their associates are often the same tactics used by batterers and can mirror dynamics of domestic violence.

Traffickers use a variety of coercive methods to control their victims including:

Luring their victims with false promises of economic opportunity
Withholding identification, work authorization, or travel documents
Demanding repayment for a real or alleged debt
Using or threatening to use violence
Monitoring and surveillance activities
Paying very little or not paying at all for work

Trafficked victims may:

Be forced to live in subpar conditions (living in the same place as they work; living in a space that does not have heat, running water, or electricity; living with many people sharing the same, small space)
Not be allowed to talk to anyone alone or without supervision
Be coached on how to respond to inquiries from others including police and other authority figures." (Safe Horizon)

Find out how YOU can get involved.
Go to our website: www.freeinternational.org/services/get-involved/ or send us a message.

A local pest control worker became suspicious when he realized folding tables were the only furniture, suitcases filled several rooms, and there was one air mattress for more than a dozen women. His company contacted law enforcement, which led to them discovering a major forced labor trafficking ring. Police believe there have been over 100 victims in the last 3 to 5 years. The victims were forced to work for shell companies or give a large percentage of their income to the traffickers. Four individuals have been arrested and charged.

Cheers to the observant pest control worker who spoke up when it was important!


Full Story: https://www.cbsnews.com/texas/news/bedbugs-help-unravel-suspected-north-texas-human-trafficking-ring/

Nearly half (47%) of children contacted by a stranger on social media were under 13, indicating they were contacted by a stranger on social media platforms they were too young to use.
1 in 5 children contacted by a stranger online were 9 or younger.
(Based on a survey conducted by Parents Together, 2023)

While we know that most trafficking victims are recruited by someone they know. We cannot ignore the risks of social media for children.

This is why we search for minors in our Big Search and educate. It is happening here.

Praying you and your loved ones have a blessed and safe Fourth of July!
- From all of us at FREE

Does Human Trafficking involve the movement of victims across state or country borders? The short answer- No.
Survivors have been trafficked in their own hometowns or even homes.

YOU can bring the BIG SEARCH to your CITY.

The BIG Search is a turn-key event that can be hosted in cities across the US to coordinate that community in searching for local missing children. We conduct searches in high-traffic areas, such as sporting events and concerts, and distribute information about missing children to the public.

The BIG Search is a vital tool in finding missing children. We can make a difference in these children's and their families' lives by working together.

To learn more about The BIG Search, please visit our website: http://www.freeinternational.org/thebigsearch/

We know and hold onto the fact that God is above all.

Human trafficking is the world's fastest-growing crime.

Why is it such a fast-growing crime? Because you can sell a person over and over again, unlike drugs.

At F.R.E.E. International our mission is to see human trafficking end, for good! YOU can help. Visit www.freeinternational.org to find out more.
*xtrafficking

Our Freedom Partners stand up to human trafficking and allow us to continue our ongoing work, including Big Searches, survivor care, and training.

A monthly gift of $25 or more helps us put boots on the ground in this fight. Partnering monthly with FREE International will help the vulnerable, exploited, and trafficked here in the US. Your gift is tax-deductible and will make a great impact. Thank you!

To give, visit https://www.freeinternational.org/donate/
*xtrafficking

Please share and mark save. You never know who may see it and need it today.
This hotline is there 24hrs a day.
National Human Trafficking Resource Center:
(888) 373-7888 or SMS 233733

We have team members throughout the US who would love to speak at your church or event about human trafficking and the practical ways your group can help.
Send us an email or a message to start the conversation.

With our mobile units, we participate in community outreach events to reach low-income communities and work to empower those whose vulnerabilities put them most at risk.

There is no grand way in which we’ll overthrow such a deeply-imbedded evil as human trafficking. Rather, there is a process for finding people in chains and freeing them.
And at each point in the process there are many access points, many opportunities to chisel away at the problem as a whole. F.R.E.E. International works at all points, both directly with victims and by equipping others, to end slavery in total and for good.

“They would not call it slavery, but some other name. Slavery has been fruitful in giving herself names…and it will call itself by yet another name; and you and I and all of us had better wait and see what new form this old monster will assume, in what new skin this old snake will come forth.” –Fredrick Douglas (1818-1895)
*xtrafficking

Two hotels in Colorado may be forced to pay monetary damages after two victims say the businesses either failed to notice s*x trafficking on their premises or turned a blind eye to it. Victims can also claim hotels indirectly profited from s*x trafficking by accepting payment for rooms.
We know that approximately 17% of s*x trafficking takes place in hotels. We emphasize training and accountability for staff working in the hospitality industry on how to identify and help victims. We also distribute soaps and door hangers, encouraging victims to call the National Human Trafficking Hotline for help.
*xtrafficking
Full Story: https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/2-colorado-hotels-sued-failing-to-stop-s*x-trafficking/73-9efe9947-1158-408a-bb8d-2280502046bc

Happy Father's Day to the dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and men who fill the role!

S*x trafficking is a real problem in the United States.

Every year, thousands of people are trafficked for s*x in the United States. Victims are often young women and girls, but men and boys can also be trafficked. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control their victims, who are forced to engage in commercial s*x acts against their will.

S*x trafficking is a crime, and it's a human rights violation.

Victims of s*x trafficking are denied their basic human rights, including the right to freedom, the right to be free from violence, and the right to be treated with dignity and respect.

We can all do our part to fight s*x trafficking.

Find out how you can get involved at http://www.freeinternational.org/services/get-involved/