Rescue & Restore

Compiled by Melissa Mahanes / Photo courtesy of NAHT

In our ever-growing and vibrant city, Nashville has its own shocking issues with human trafficking happening right in our local neighborhoods. Nashville Anti-Human Trafficking Coalition (NAHT) was founded in 2019 by Executive Director Mary Trapnell when she recognized that sex trafficking was happening much too close to home.

NAHT is a team of intervention specialists who Rescue and Restore women and children (and in some cases, men) from the bondage of human trafficking. Due to a trauma bond with their trafficker, many victims are convinced they are not victims. Intervention attempts are often unsuccessful because victims rarely trust anyone. Access to addictive substances, financial fears and low self-esteem keep victims dependent on their trafficker(s). It’s not an easy rescue mission.

What many of us don’t know is human trafficking and addiction go hand in hand. Consistent access to drugs and other addictive substances is one of the ways traffickers keep women trapped in the vicious, life-stealing human trafficking cycle. Overcoming addiction is critical for victims to experience real freedom. This is a vital part of a rescue that is often overlooked. Successful interventions require specialists who understand the life of a victim and are able to meet a victim on their terms. This is where NAHT comes in.

NAHT has women on its staff who have personally lived this vicious cycle. Their team can look victims in the eye, speak their language, and provide resources from personal experience that they know has the power to help. Survivor Intervention Specialists and staff connect victims to detox and rehabilitation clinics so they can begin the journey of living a life of freedom they deserve.

Victims of human trafficking develop valuable life skills to stay alive. Survivors are winners! NAHT is committed to helping victims understand that in the hands of a redemptive God, their skills can be used to help others and make impact for good. With a big dose of hope and the support of a survivor sensitive community, they can achieve financial independence and become leaders who contribute to the success of many businesses in our community. Sex trafficking happens in every zip code and neighborhood in Nashville—yes, even yours.

• In 2021, NAHT participated in 131 interventions, and are on track to exceed that number this year.

• NAHT Restore Classrooms served over 250 women in 2021.

• NAHT’S new Headquarters will open in March 2022, with an already extensive waiting list for services.

For more information on how to make a difference, to request services for someone you know, or to get involved as a volunteer, contact NAHT Coalition at info@nahtcoalition.org. Follow on Facebook and Instagram: nahtcoalition.