US Safe Newsletter-Crisis Aid International

Caught in a Web

At age 14, Gretta was referred to our Child Anti-Exploitation Partnership (CAP) program by detectives. She was part of a horrific case involving multiple human trafficking and child sexual abuse victims. When we first started working with Gretta, she was very reluctant to speak and clearly feared the detectives who were trying to work with her. However, as we continued mentoring her and helping her understand that what had happened wasn’t her fault, she began to open up. Eventually, Gretta got the courage to share what happened with detectives, our CAP team member and her parents. She told us she wanted to share everything to find herself justice and begin healing. Gretta was incredibly brave. We are so proud of her!

* Image for illustrative purposes only. This stock photo has been used to protect the privacy and identity of the real individual.

* Image for illustrative purposes only. This stock photo has been used to protect the privacy and identity of the real individual.

Starting to Heal

Ryan is a 16-year-old boy we’ve been working with through CAP for several months. He was referred to our program by detectives who discovered he was a victim of “sextortion.” Ryan was tricked into thinking he was communicating with a girl his age when, in fact, it was an adult predator looking to extort money from him by threatening to share his explicit images online. Ryan was utterly devastated when he learned it was not a girl he was building a relationship with. Ryan’s CAP advocate/mentor has been working with him on building critical thinking skills and healthy boundaries online and in personal relationships. Slowly, Ryan has started to open up — the first step in the process of healing from the shame and trauma he has experienced. Ryan is an amazing young man working hard to move past it the best he can.

Your support makes stories like Gretta’s and Ryan’s possible.

Through your loyal partnership, our U.S. SAFE Initiative is tackling the scourge of child exploitation and trafficking head-on. Here’s how:

PREVENTION

We’re raising awareness in schools and communities, empowering people to recognize the signs of trafficking.

IDENTIFICATION

Educating law enforcement, social services, and medical professionals to identify at-risk individuals early.

INTERVENTION

Providing crucial resources and mentorship to youth and families at risk.

RESPONSE

Offering 24/7 support to law enforcement and first responders, including shelter in our House of Hope Refuge Home.

Gretta’s and Ryan’s journeys to wellness have only just begun, and they may face many challenges ahead. But thanks to caring supporters like you, they know they are not alone.

Thank you for your unwavering support!

Sincerely,

Pat and Sue Bradley

Join us in refusing to do nothing. Help us set more children free from shame, fear and exploitation.