We had opportunity to learn much about Human Trafficking, like 12.3 million adults and children are being trafficked. 79% of those are sexually exploited and those numbers have increased 59% since 2008. Human trafficking is a 32 BILLION dollar annual trade.
We attended workshops about how HIV/AIDS can be prevented among those being trafficked, as well as among consenting sex workers. We also learned about the international face of trafficking in places like India and Southeast Asia.
Our friend, Rachelle from Sex Workers for Choice also presented at the conference. It was also awesome to see so many members of the faith-community there - ready to make a difference and to love unconditionally!!!!
There was much to be learned this week! The most powerful part of the entire conference was meeting Survivors of the industry! Women who, in many cases, have been to hell and back again. Women who can say "We all know what we've done, but we can move on from it." Women who able to voice "I don't let my past define me, I let it empower me." Or "We define who we are today, our past doesn't!" And "We desire to be recognized not as just victims & survivors, but as over-comers."