National Leader Against Sex Trafficking Speaks Out

“The authorities in Florida must be commended for the extensive investigation that led to the sting of a multi-national human trafficking ring. They must further be commended for charging Robert Kraft and John Havens based on the evidence that they gathered. The true test will be what happens next not just in Florida, but throughout our country and globally.

Sex trafficking generates annual profits of nearly $100 billion, according to the International Labour Organization, making it the most profitable form of slavery the world has ever seen. According to recent police reports, Harvey Weinstein, R. Kelly, Robert Kraft and John Havens allegedly have been engaged in sexual behavior that is happening every day across our country and world. At Selah, we know that sex slavery, in particular, persists because illegal organizations enable men to purchase adolescent female and male bodies for sexual gratification with little to no penalty. This illegal activity does more than simply launder money and evade taxes, it more harmfully fuels the theft and slavery of children. Childhood ends when sexual abuse and trafficking begin!

Our society has been groomed to believe that these are willing women. The world needs to know that this is not a choice. Little girls have been groomed their entire lives and have no way out. They have been manipulated and sexually abused from a young age, eventually leading to their coercion into prostitution against their will. Fortunately, Selah Freedom and the Selah Way Foundation are positioned to raise awareness and provide solutions for survivors. Victims who were exploited and abused are coming forward, and law enforcement has significantly more insight and ability to shine a light on the darkness of this horrific criminal behavior. It’s time we all stand together and start defending the young girls and boys in our country and globally!

The Selah Way Foundation is a global network of leading anti-sex trafficking service providers dedicated to eradicating this issue on a global scale. By locking arms with well vetted, expert organizations in this movement, The Selah Way Foundation creates a solid system of care for survivors of sex trafficking. Selah Freedom confronts the issue of sex trafficking and is upheld as the model for how to effectively bring solutions to survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation. Prostitution isn’t the oldest vocation in the world, it is the oldest story of abuse. We will continue to save as many lives as possible and welcome support so that we can continue to train law enforcement, build Safe Homes across the country and put traffickers behind bars.”

-Elizabeth Melendez Fisher – CEO & Co-founder Selah Freedom & President The Selah Way Foundation

https://www.theselahway.org and www.selahfreedom.com

https://www.facebook.com/selahfreedominc/

Editor’s Note: Selah Freedom, Inc.is currently rehabbing a home near Kenosha, Wisconsin, where survivors of sex trafficking can receive restorative care. The organization will also be expanding its service in the Midwest to include Wisconsin.