Follow us here to stay up to date on human trafficking policy, hear about training opportunities and events, and learn more about what’s happening in the anti-trafficking field.
Melinda Smith |
FNUSA Proudly Launches New Website and Branding
Freedom Network USA is celebrating 16 years of services and advocacy for human trafficking survivors in the United States with a whole new look. We are proud to share our new logo, colors and website to better connect survivors, providers,…
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Freedom Network Community |
FNUSA Submits Questions for US Confirmation Hearings
Freedom Network USA submitted comments and questions to the Judiciary Committee last week for three nominee confirmation hearings. If approved, these appointees will have a significant impact on how human trafficking is addressed in the United States. Our hope is…
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Freedom Network Community |
Freedom Network USA Welcomes 2017 Class of Associate Members
After an exciting year of growth, Freedom Network USA is ushering in the new year by welcoming 15 new associate members. With a wide range of experience in the anti-trafficking movement, the group will help carry Freedom Network USA’s vision…
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Freedom Network Community |
Visit to the U.S.: United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons
During December 2016, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons (SRT), Ms. Maria Grazia Giammarinaro, visited four U.S. cities to meet with government and local officials, civil society and grassroots organizations. These meetings addressed the successful progress and…
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brian |
Martin
Martin was 15 years old when he, his mother, and his younger siblings were brought to the US by a relative after his father died. He was told by his relatives that he would have to work off the large…
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brian |
Shandra Woworuntu
Shandra Woworuntu is a survivor of human trafficking and domestic violence. In 2011, she started a survivor leadership program called “Voices of hope” facilitated by Safe Horizon, New York. In 2014, Shandra was appointed by Governor Chris Christie to be…
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brian |
Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman
Suamhirs Piraino-Guzman grew up in Honduras where he was exposed to extreme violence at the hands of his father. When he was 15 1/2, he was kidnapped and brought to America where he was trafficked and sold. When he was…
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brian |
Ana
Ana is an indigenous Mayan woman who was recruited by a woman in her Central American village who promised her a good job in the U.S. When Ana arrived, she was taken to rural Florida, where she began to work…
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brian |
Bukola Oriola
Bukola Oriola is a speaker, author, mentor, advocate, entrepreneur, and consultant on human trafficking. In December of 2015, Oriola was appointed by President Barack Obama to the U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking. Oriola is an award winning journalist and…
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brian |
Sarah
While Sarah was being arrested for engaging in prostitution, the undercover officer told her, “If it wasn’t for us finding you, you would be dead.” Sarah was terrified, angry, and defensive. Due to her arrest and the ensuing stigma and shame, she…
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Freedom Network Community |
Freedom Network USA supports Federal Vacatur Bill
Freedom Network USA will send the following letter of support for Trafficking Survivor Relief Act (S. 3441). FN USA Support Letter S. 3441 We will be accepting sign-ons from organizations and individuals. Sign-on to the letter by December 19, 2017 here. We appreciate…
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Freedom Network Community |
Backpage.com CEO Arrest: A Public Stunt, Not an Anti-Trafficking Effort
As the latest in a multiyear effort to target third party online advertisers, CEO of advertising website backpage.com Carl Ferrer was arrested in October on felony charges of pimping a minor and conspiracy to commit pimping. Mixed messaging from law…
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Freedom Network Community |
Support the Work of Freedom Network USA!
Freedom Network USA had a exceptional year. As 2016 comes to a close we are taking time to reflect on our work and the thousands of survivors served by our members. As the largest anti-trafficking coalition of direct service providers,…
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Freedom Network Community |
Big Win: First Motion Passed in Western New York to Vacate Trafficking Survivors’ Criminal Record
Human trafficking survivors are often convicted of the various crimes that their traffickers force them to commit during their enslavement. The resulting criminal records present on-going barriers to independence and healing as survivors struggle to obtain employment, and free themselves…
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Freedom Network Community |
Trafficking in Persons Report Cites Opportunities and Challenges Ahead: FN Response
On June 30, as part of the US Government’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, the US State Department released its annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. The Report is an important barometer that provides global insights and evaluates countries’…
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Freedom Network Community |
Susan French: Pursuing Victim-Centered Prosecutions to help Human Trafficking Survivors
With a successful career dedicated to ending human trafficking, Susan French is an advocate for strategic victim-centered prosecutions. French is a human trafficking civil attorney and expert, formerly a federal prosecutor for 14 years with the U.S. Department of Justice…
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Freedom Network Community |
Freedom Network USA to host Webinar Series on Trauma-Informed Case Management
The Freedom Network USA is offering a practical 4-part training and technical assistance series to case managers and social workers working with trafficking survivors. The series will provide an overview of trauma-informed care and explore areas for implementation throughout the…
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Freedom Network Community |
My Sisters’ Place: Combating Domestic Violence and Human Trafficking
Through its direct counseling services and promotion of social change and community education, My Sisters’ Place (MSP) is a leading advocate for survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking in Westchester County, New York. In 1976, the organization formed around…
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Freedom Network Community |
A Closer Look: Amnesty International’s Policy on Decriminalizing Consensual Sex Work
As first discussed in May, global human rights organization Amnesty International has released a policy in response to the high rates of human rights abuses experienced globally by sex workers. Based on two years of in-depth research, the policy calls…
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Freedom Network Community |
FN submits feedback for 2016 Trafficking in Persons Report
Every January the Department of State requests feedback from stakeholders in the anti-trafficking field to prepare its annual Trafficking in Persons Report. As a coalition of direct-service providers, Freedom Network USA members are uniquely situated to advocate for policies that…