Articles like this are a good example of why Courtney’s House needs to work hard to get the word out about domestic minor sex trafficking:

"Sexual Slavery - an Indiana Phenomenon, too"

Let me be clear: it’s great that the Courier-Journal is talking about the fact that trafficking is happening in Indiana. I’d just like us to get to a place where this is no longer a surprise.

When you say the word “trafficking,” lots of people think it’s an overseas kind of a thing. A traveling-across-national-borders kind of a thing. A dramatic kidnapping-and-drugging thing like in that (exciting to watch, but highly inaccurate) movie, Taken. 

In other words, we think trafficking is a thing that only happens to other people.

I get it. Just like we all want to think that getting cancer or being struck by lightning are things that only happen to other people, we assume that trafficking only happens to other people. No one wants to think that trafficking happens right here in our own US of A, to people who are citizens of these here United States. That would mean that we’re not as strong a society as we think we are. That would mean that there’s risk for our own people right here at home.

But you know what? It does happen here. 

And you know what else? The fact that we’re so loath to think it happens here is part of what makes it go unnoticed here. If you don’t think it could be happening in your neighborhood, you’re not looking for the signs in your neighborhood, so it stays hidden in your neighborhood. It’s a vicious spiral.

Don’t think you’re alone in this, though. Lots of people don’t think it could happen here. So much so, that when the TVPA (Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act, or Trafficking Victims’ Protection Act) was initially enacted in 2000, it contained no protections for American victims of trafficking. Zip. Zilch. Nada. That part was added years later, and even then, there was no money appropriated for them. It was so unbelievable to us that Americans could be victimized by trafficking, that that attitude became enshrined in law.

And while we’re at it, lots of people think that sex trafficking only happens to women and girls. It doesn’t. It happens to people all over the spectrum of sexual and gender identity. Male, female, transgender, cis, hetero, LGBTQQIA – you name it. It’s not about identity or sexuality. It’s about power and vulnerability. And money.

So what can we do about it?

Start noticing. Start recognizing that words like “pimp,” “forced prostitution,” and “underage prostitution” are just other words for trafficking. (Yes, even when “pimp” is used in a song. Listen to those lyrics.) Start recognizing that power dynamics aren't black and white, and a situation that seemed innocent at first (like that mall security guard who’s really nice to the teenage girls) doesn't always stay that way.

Also, look out for opportunities to get info. One good opportunity to learn, talk to people, and get info about trafficking is coming up in the form of the DC Stop Modern Slavery Walkfest on Saturday, October 4th. Come walk with us, get your friends to sponsor our team, stop by the resource tables, and hear some great speakers (including our own Tina Frundt). 

Most of all, stop being surprised. Stop letting your friends and family be surprised. Know that it can and does happen here. This isn't just a thing that happens in the movies, and it’s definitely not a thing that only happens to other people. And the more people who know what to look for, the more people we’re able to help.

This really shouldn't be surprising anymore, so let’s make it known.

Rachel Boyce
Director of Operations

Today, in the newsletter we sent out to our subscribers, we mentioned our recent partnership with a Catholic parish in MD. A few people promptly unsubscribed from our newsletter and indicated that they did so because of this partnership. Their disapproval of the Catholic Church was fierce, and they severed their ties to Courtney’s House because of it. To them, and to anyone else who has doubts about Courtney’s House working with a Catholic Church, I write the following:

I completely understand where you’re coming from. As a former Catholic myself, there are lots of things I disagree with the Church about. But this partnership isn’t about those things.

This partnership was formed because the leaders of that parish noticed signs of trafficking within their own congregation. They noticed that people in their care were being victimized, and they reached out for help. They wanted to help the kids who were being trafficked under their noses. We weren’t about to say no to that.

Granted, we disagree on lots of things. But we’ve talked about it. Courtney’s House is not going to distribute any sort of religious material to the survivors we serve, and the parish isn’t asking us to. Courtney’s House hands out condoms and welcomes LGBTQ survivors, and we’re not asking the parish to do the same. We’re willing to work with lots of faith-based groups and organizations on anti-trafficking efforts. We aren't sacrificing our ideals and we’re not asking them to, either.

This is about meeting on common ground. This is about getting the kids the help they need, and both parties are on board with that.

Sure, the Catholic Church on the whole has failed at that before. Sure, it wasn't very good about the molestation scandal, and it still has a lot to answer for. But this time, these people at this church in our area noticed that something was wrong and asked for help. Isn’t that exactly how we hope the Church will behave in the future? Isn't that exactly the right thing to do?

If we refused to help these kids because we disagreed with the Church’s teachings or past behavior, would that help anyone? I don’t think it would.

And golly, wouldn't it be great if this could serve as an example to other Catholic parishes in other places? Wouldn't it be great if this model could help other church personnel all over the world notice and report the victimization they see? How far could that reach? I dare to dream.

So there you go. I respect your opinion, and I’m sorry if we’ve offended you. We chose to create this partnership in order to help kids who are being trafficked. That’s our mission, and we’re sticking to it.

Rachel Boyce
Director of Operations