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| National Human Trafficking Hotline | |
If you have reason to suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline on (1-888-373-7888). Multilingual call specialists are on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All calls are confidential.
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| Current Needs |
Due to a significant increase in our team we are in need of computers and netbooks. If you have any to donate contact us immediately. |
| Call for Volunteers |
We are looking for individuals who can help with the Golf Tournament Committee. If you are interested contact us immediately. |
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Dear Bridge to Freedom Foundation Supporters,
The summer has been a busy one for everyone here at BTFF and now as we begin to wind down from some of our exciting summer events, we are leaping forward for the fall. The office has been abuzz with interns and we are sad to see a few of them leave, but are excited that most have chosen to continue with BTFF after they return to school. Their hard work and dedication this summer is what has led us to the amazing events and developments we have coming in the fall.
As always we are grateful for your support and encouragement and hope you will join us for one of the many great fall events as we join the community in a multitude of ways to get active to end modern slavery. The funds raised will go to ensuring we continue our research identifying recovery hurdles of survivors and increasing the scope and depth of our Personal and Professional Development Programs.
Sincerely,
Cassandra Clifford
Executive Director and Founder
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| Bridge to Freedom Foundation News |
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BTFF and Body Marinade Announce Upcoming Men's and Women's BTFF Scents
Earlier this year BTFF announced their corporate sponsorship with Body Marinade and their first support product. Now the two are pleased to announce the development of both a men's and women's scent specifically created for BTFF. The scent will be available for purchase in any of Body Marinade's extensive product line. Body Marinade will donate 10% of the proceeds from all sales of BTFF Signature Scented products. See more on the partnership and products here.
Youth from Sasha Bruce Youthworks Vote on BTFF Scent and Kick Off the Name Selection
 BTFF and corporate partner, Body Marinade, held a special "Scent Event "at Sasha Bruce Youthworks. The youths learned about product development and marketing and were a vital component in choosing the BTFF scents for the upcoming special edition line. See more photos from the event here.
Identifying Recovery Hurdles Research
BTFF is working to build its Evidence Based Research Programming. Therefore BTFF is working actively to create and assess current programming geared towards at-risk populations, current victims, and survivors of modern-day slavery in all its forms. Currently three members of our Evidence Based Research and Programming team are conducting research to identify recovery hurdles for which survivors have, or may, come across in the process of recovery and rehabilitation. Seda Nak is focusing on health issues, Soknorntha Prum is exploring nutritional habits, and Zasha Russell is evaluating general problems which survivors may face that impeded their recovery. As an integral part of their research, each has designed a unique survey for survivors to complete, which is now publicly available. The preferred method for the distribution of the survey is online, however hard copies of the survey are available and can be obtained by contacting research@btff.org.
Please find the links to each individual survey here: General Survey, Nutritional Habits Survey, and Health Survey.
All surveys are confidential and anonymous. If you know any survivors that are interested in completing this survey, please feel free to pass along these links or have them contact us if they would like to participate further in our research.
Thank you in advance for your time and consideration, please contact myself or research@btff.org should you have any questions about the surveys or BTFF's Division of Research and Evidence Based Programing.
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| MODERN DAY SLAVERY NEWS | | |
Canada Passes First Human Trafficking Prosecution Laws
Bill C-268 provides a minimum five-year sentence for child trafficking. Member of Parliament, Joy Smith, who introduced the bill, stated, "I know I speak for all Canadians when I say that our children are not for sale." Canada has been criticized for lacking a comprehensive strategy to address human trafficking, but this bill is seen as a positive step in the right direction. For more information: Article and Full Bill.
Hawaii Governor Vetoes Human Trafficking Law
The veto means that Hawaii will still be one of five states without laws aimed specifically at human trafficking. Supporters promise they will be working to get the bill back on the agenda. For more information: Article
Alabama Becomes 45th State to Criminalize Human Trafficking
The new law makes human trafficking a felony and provides mandatory restitution for victims, as well as allowing them to bring a civil action against their traffickers. In signing the bill, Governor Riley noted, "We cannot be fooled into thinking this crime happens only in other places. It's happening right here in Alabama. This new law gives our law enforcement another way to protect people." For more information: Article and Full Bill
New Anti-Trafficking Bill Introduced to Congress
Titled "The Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Deterrence and Victims Support Act of 2010" the bill would provide more resources for victims, more financial support to prosecute traffickers and better guidelines for missing children reports. An estimated 100,000 American minors are sexually exploited each year, initially at an average age of 12-13. For more information: Article and Full Bill
Texas and Illinois Take Steps to End Prosecution of Prostituted Minors
"Children are the victims, not the perpetrators, of child prostitution," the Texas Supreme Court said in announcing its ruling that children under 14 cannot be prosecuted for prostitution. In Texas, a child under the age of fourteen cannot ever legally consent to sex (seventeen is the legal age of consent, but over fourteen years of age, a defense of consensual sex is available in instances where the minor is less than three years younger than their partner or if they are married). Illinois has announced a new initiative to combat human trafficking, which includes public awareness events, training for law enforcement, decriminalization of underage victims of prostitution and safe harbor laws. For more information: Texas Article, Texas Supreme Court Opinion, and Illinois Article. |
| UPCOMING EVENTS |
| Race for a Cause...Race for Freedom!
 BTFF is pleased to announce its selection as one of twelve designated non-profit recipients to benefit from the proceeds of the 2010 Acummen Solutions Race for a Cause! Sign-up today and choose BTFF as your designated charity!Date & Time: October 17th, 2010 at 8:00 AM 8K Race and Immediately following the 1 mile Family Fun Run will take off (strollers welcome, bring the whole family). Location: The race will begin and end on North Quincy Street, near the intersection of Wilson Boulevard in Arlington.
Fist Annual Golf Tournament - Call for Golfers & Sponsors
 We are in need of golfers and sponsors of all levels for the 1st Annual BTFF Golf Tournament. The signature event will be held on Monday, September 20, 2010, at Pleasant Valley Golf Club in Chantilly, VA. For golfer registration, sponsorship packages, or any further information on the tournament details and opportunities, please visit the BTFF website or e-mail golftournament@btff.org. |
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TEAM CORNER |
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Evidence Based and Program Development Intern - Soknorntha Prum
 I was born and raised in Falls Church, VA. Living in such a diverse community as Northern Virginia, I have always had a keen interest in different cultures - their beliefs and values and how they learn to acculturate or assimilate into their new surroundings. I went on to study Sociology and Non-Profit Studies at James Madison University and am currently finishing my Masters in Public Health with a concentration in Global Health at George Mason University. As s part of BTFF, I will be working this summer in both areas of research and program development regarding health based recovery hurdles facing survivors.
Office and Volunteer Coordinator
- Maureen Hannan
 I was inspired to assist the anti-trafficking movement after meeting our Executive Director and Founder, Cassandra in Dublin, where she was pursuing her Masters. Having worked my way up from HR Administrator, I have covered all areas of HR with a specific focus on Recruitment, Training Development. I also spent 2 years working as a Recruitment Consultant covering all industries for public sector companies. I have joined BTFF for the summer to volunteer my skills and experience to front our recruitment campaign as we expand. I am responsible for the recruitment and selection of all volunteers and day to day administration in our office. I will also assist with career development programs for survivors.
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