From the desk of Margie Quin, CEO
Dear End Slavery Tennessee Supporter,
As I reflect on 2020, I think about the hardship and endurance that End Slavery Tennessee (ESTN), survivors and staff have experienced because of the ongoing pandemic, tornado devastation, and societal unrest. We are tired from loss, grief, and unexpected adversity, and I know you have experienced much of this as well.
Through these difficulties, we remain committed and feel more connected to our mission than ever. We choose to see the positives in our circumstances, largely due to the generosity and kindness of the ESTN community. We are encouraged by our partners, supporters, Board of Directors, colleagues and most importantly the courage we see survivors exhibit daily.
ESTN celebrates many accomplishments this year. The biggest - adjusting to the new way of living while ensuring the health and safety of our community and remaining a stable, welcoming place for human trafficking survivors seeking refuge.
For Katy*, it was overcoming self-esteem issues and pushing outside of her comfort zone to learn about her newfound love for culinary art. She now has a job at a restaurant. The art of cooking is something she enjoys, and it makes her feel proud. We are proud of her too for how much she has grown.
For Heather*, it was finally going to court after six months of not seeing her daughter, and diligently completing requirements to regain custody. The court closures and delays were no picnic for her mental health especially after missing her daughter’s birthday during Stage 1 Safer at Home per state restrictions.
For Jamie*, it was anxiously waiting for the court system to provide justice to a family member who trafficked her while also mourning her sister, Molly’s*, drug overdose.
While referral numbers have decreased because of the social impacts COVID-19 has had on identifying victims, you can see that each survivors (those above and countless others not listed) has a unique story and extensive challenges caused by their trauma. Despite a pandemic, it is vital they have the opportunity to mend their physical, emotional, and spiritual pain. Without this, too many would see the same ending as Molly.
Many of you know this well from being an active part of the ESTN community. You know that our Aftercare Program provides this opportunity to survivors. Some of you have reached out with questions during the pandemic, and I thought others might like to hear these responses as well:
1. How has the pandemic impacted the issue of Human Trafficking?
To understand the full impact the pandemic has had on the complex dynamics of human trafficking is a question that will probably take years to answer. Here is what I do know and can tell you:
Children are online significantly more in 2020. For 48% of children, screen time has increased by nearly 500% according to a study done by ParentsTogether. Virtual grooming is one of the most common tools predators use to prey on vulnerable young people.
On average, a human trafficking victim is sold 15 times per day. The risk to their health and safety is already high. The ongoing pandemic has only increased that risk. The Johns that are buying are actively choosing to put the people they buy for sex at risk, not to mention their wives, children, friends and colleagues. Amongst many other social injustices, human trafficking has always been a public health issue, but that issue has certainly been exacerbated by the pandemic this year.
2. Do I think demand has plateaued in Tennessee?
No, I think more virtual exploitation is occurring, and this is common amidst familial trafficking and youth.
We’ve learned from our partners in law enforcement that planted advertisements are receiving activity for longer periods of time because Johns have flexibility to purchase sex throughout the day, rather than a limited window of opportunity in a normal 9-5 working world.
3. Why are referral numbers lower?
Law enforcement, educators, social service agencies and other referral sources have drastically changed their delivery of services to decrease the spread of COVID-19. This puts them and us at a disadvantage to see the red flags and identify potential victims.
If we were not already motivated by the horrific abuse that human trafficking survivors experience, this pandemic has made us more determined than ever. Ending human trafficking cannot be done without the generous support of our community and partners. Thank you for the incredible work you have made possible this year.
But, we have not lost sight of the work yet to do and refuse to let a pandemic stop our progress. This holiday season, we are thinking of those unknown victims we make our mission to identify in 2021.
Our year end goal is $140,000, which funds 17 children to receive aftercare in 2021. For girls (and boys) in desperate need of hope, let’s stand up and use our voice to fight for justice. Let us not be complacent in the issue of human trafficking as each of us can play a role in making change.
Will you join me with a yearend gift to End Slavery Tennessee?
Slavery exists here. Let’s stop it.
Margie Quin
CEO, End Slavery Tennessee
*Survivor names and some identifying details may be modified to ensure confidentiality and safety.