Fighting the Big Business of Human Trafficking

Written by Bianca Davis, CEO, New Friends New Life

On January 11th, for the second year in a row, the Dallas skyline was lit up in blue in recognition of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, also known as Wear Blue Day. This show of support and solidarity highlights both a startling reality and a reassuring truth.  Human trafficking is a pervasive crisis that it is happening right here in our own backyard, but Dallas is fighting back.

People are often surprised to learn that human trafficking is the second largest criminal enterprise in the world behind the drug trafficking trade. Defined as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to commit a sexual act or to engage in forced labor, this grave violation of human rights is a persistent crisis that hides in plain sight, robbing victims of their most basic and fundamental rights to live free from violence and abuse. At New Friends New Life, where we have served women and girls impacted by sex trafficking and exploitation for the past 26 years, we see the human toll of this crime up close. But, because we also see the transformative power of community, advocacy, and comprehensive support systems, we engage in this fight with hope.

Let me be clear - human trafficking is big business.   In fact, traffickers are profiting $350 billion from this global industry by exploiting an estimated 50 million victims worldwide. But before you assume this is just an international issue, know that Texas ranks second in the United States for trafficking cases with an estimated 313,000 human trafficking victim – 79,000 of whom are minors. In North Texas alone, the commercial sex industry generates $99 million annually, and on any given night, an estimated 400 teen girls are trafficked on the streets of Dallas.

Sex trafficking disproportionately affects women and girls, and the average age a girl is trafficked in the U.S. is just 15 years old. In most cases, she knows her trafficker because he pretends to be the knight in shining armor who can rescue her from real circumstances or even a despondent mindset. As a minor, she cannot be a willing participant. She is automatically a victim, and it is automatically a crime. Whether she is a child or an adult, what we do know is that she would not sign up for this.  Who would sign up for the physical and emotional abuse, the repeated sexual assault, the misplaced guilt and shame, the mental trauma, or the shattered pieces of her life that are left behind if she ever manages to escape “the life”? She has no idea of the web that is being woven for her by a master manipulator who is preying on her vulnerabilities: a young girl struggling with low self-esteem, a single mother unsure how she will feed her children, or a teenager longing for acceptance. Traffickers exploit these natural, human needs with devastating precision.

When she does manage to reach out for help, how is she received? Questions like “Why didn’t she leave?” or “Why did she trust him?” overlook the reality of manipulation, fear, and violence that dominate a victim's life. When someone has been blackmailed, beaten, or ostracized by their community, labeled as being a rebellious teen, or an adult who just made bad choices, the path to safety isn’t clear or easy. The question is not why a victim ended up in such a situation but rather how we can prevent exploitation and offer a path to freedom for those ensnared by it?

At New Friends New Life, our work is about restoring choice and dignity to survivors. Through trauma-informed counseling, case management, and economic empowerment, we are creating a community where women and girls can soar above the limits of their past to achieve their dreams. Over the years, we have identified critical roadblocks to her restoration - like a lack of education or a limited work history - and have built programs that help to remove those barriers. Our Liberty Street Garden, planted in 2023, provides women in our program with income and work experience, while our on-site Learning Academy, launched in 2024, prepares members to pass their GED exams. These victories—large and small—are celebrations of resilience and hope.

But the fight against trafficking is not just about supporting survivors. It is also about identifying and interrupting the systems that enable this crime by addressing the demand. No one agency can do it alone. Businesses must take a stand, by enforcing policies that prevent exploitation, from eliminating online access to pornography on workplace technology to rejecting expenses at sexually oriented businesses (i.e. strip clubs). Legislators must write laws that increase penalties for traffickers and buyers. (There are several bills on the floor at the start of the 89th Legislative Session currently underway that will impact survivors and disrupt demand). Parents must foster open dialogue with children, so they know they are always safe and valued at home – no matter what.

New Friends New Life also opened a Legal Advocacy Clinic in 2022 to address the legal challenges faced by 70 percent of the survivors we serve and work in partnership with law enforcement and the City of Dallas. The recent announcement by the Dallas District Attorney’s Office on the creation of a dedicated Human Trafficking Unit to prosecute trafficking crimes and support survivors serves as another example of how it will take all of us, from every sector and arm, doing whatever we can to engage in the fight against human trafficking. We applaud the City of Dallas for each step they take in the direction of holding perpetrators accountable and supporting survivors.

Human trafficking is big business. As with any business, the consumer drives the profits. To collapse this industry, we must address the demand.  This will mean shifting the culture that has normalized the selling and buying of other human beings.  As one focus group member said in a recent report by the University of Texas at Dallas, “Trafficking starts with one person’s vulnerability and another person’s vice.” It is a statement as stark as it is true.

Ending human trafficking will take all of us. By raising awareness, supporting survivors, and addressing the societal and economic factors that fuel this crime, we can forge a path to lasting change. At New Friends New Life, we’re calling on individuals, businesses, and policymakers to join this movement. Whether through financial contributions, volunteering, or advocacy, every step in the direction of restoration for survivors and accountability for perpetrators, is the right step.

Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall once said, in response to a question around his judgement in the Brown vs. The Board of Education, “You do what you think is right and let the law catch up.”  We are in a time where laws are being written and proposed in a unified mission to disrupt this heinous industry. Combined with the efforts of agencies like New Friends New Life, the corporations, the faith community and every other entity, collaboration can tip the scales toward victory.   Together, we can fight back against the exploitation of the vulnerable. Together, we can create a world where survivors are truly free.  

Your Year-End Giving Makes a Difference

Written by Bianca Davis, CEO, New Friends New Life

We are grateful that 2024 has been a year of BIG WINS for New Friends New Life! From the launch of our Liberty Street Garden Liberty Street Garden Farmer’s Market to the opening of our onsite Learning Academy, and the ongoing efforts of our Legal Advocacy Clinic, NFNL is courageously and strategically removing the barriers survivors face, helping them restore their lives.

While donors just like you have embraced and supported our mission through generous grant funding, attending events like our Annual Luncheon, joining our auxiliary groups, and making individual and corporate gifts of all sizes, we need your help once more to help us meet our year-end goals, and here are a few reasons why….

• We know that money is one of the strongest tethers that keep survivors trapped in the life of trafficking and exploitation. As part of our Women’s Program, NFNL provides financial support to members as they achieve various benchmarks – from obtaining a job to attending their individual and group counseling sessions. As has been reflected in the economy, we have seen an increase in the cost of food (up 10%), transportation (up 14%) and rent/utilities (up 26%) – all basic needs that we help to provide.

• As community needs rise, grant funders are receiving more requests than ever before and many are having to make difficult funding decisions that have resulted in delayed, decreased or denied funding to NFNL and agencies across the board.

Though these challenges are real, we are not deterred or discouraged. Our goal is to raise $200,000 by December 31st, and we believe we can do it with your help.

We are happy to share that a generous donor has pledged a $100,000 matching grant, maximizing your gift dollar for dollar!  To help us unlock this incredible match, please consider making your fully tax-deductible donation of any amount by clicking the button below:

On behalf of our dedicated staff, and the women and girls we serve, we wish you happy holidays and a prosperous and fulfilling 2025!

Thank you for taking a Stand for Her.

When Stress is an Unwanted Guest

Written by Myrna Olaya, Clinical Program Manager, New Friends New Life

As the holidays near, many of us are preparing to share the days to come with family, packed stores, and year-end deadlines at work. Although the holidays can be filled with cheer, they can also be extremely stressful times. While stress is an inevitable part of being human, managing it effectively is crucial to our overall well-being. National Stress Awareness Day, observed every year on the first Wednesday in November, serves as an important reminder to pause, reflect, and take proactive steps toward better stress management.

As a Mental Health Clinician, a student, and just a human being in general, I have become quite familiar with the company of stress. Between my own life and hearing my clients’ stories, I have noticed that the pressures of modern life can be quite overwhelming- and we are all feeling it!  What I’ve noticed has been my best-kept secret when stress’ company is no longer welcome, is to have an anti-stress list that takes no time to pull up and apply.  For me, it usually means ensuring that I have a good meal, either for comfort or for nourishment, but this can look different for everybody. If the meal doesn’t quite do it, then it might be lighting my favorite candles, cuddling up with my dog, and escaping from this modern world for just a few hours. Leaning into this prepared list helps me process the stress at hand.

It's important to remember that stress affects everyone, but it’s how we respond to it that can make all the difference. While we can’t control every stressor in our lives, we can control how we manage and cope with them. By practicing healthy stress management techniques, we can improve our resilience, boost our well-being, and lead healthier, happier lives.

Remember, you're not alone in your stress. Reach out for support when you need it and take the time to prioritize your mental and physical health. Making a list of things you find enjoyable and noticing a sense of peace when doing it might be one way to start creating your anti-stress list. Small, consistent changes can make a big difference in how you manage stress—today, tomorrow, and in the future.

Taking care of your mental health is essential. Make a commitment today to reduce stress in your life and prioritize your well-being.

Stay calm, breathe deeply, and take care of yourself—because you deserve it.

From Fear to Freedom: Empowering Survivors of Domestic Violence

Written by Claudia Davila, Chief Programs Officer, New Friends New Life

*Image from National Institutes of Health

“If we are to fight discrimination and injustice against women we must start from the home for if a woman cannot be safe in her own house, then she cannot be expected to feel safe anywhere.”

- Aysha Taryam

Moving to the United States from Peru at the age of 14 was one of the most impactful experiences of my life. What I experienced at that vulnerable age set the trajectory of my life and found my calling.  It wasn’t until witnessing gender discrimination, physical and emotional abuse, and power and control dynamics with my fellow students and their families that I knew that the messages given to me as a child were going to serve a purpose; to help those in need and help empower those in vulnerable populations.

My dad, a civil engineer, had always taught me to question authority if something wasn’t right, to help those in need and to always treat the janitor the same way as the president of a company. My mother who is the strongest woman I know, had always taught me that no one has the right to make you feel lesser than, to be strong and independent and to stand up for what you believe in.  I never would have thought that these messages would help me as a young naïve girl in a new country.  The first time I witnessed abusive behaviors was when a male student called a female student demeaning names in the middle of the school cafeteria. Needless to say, this female student shrugged and became understandably very emotional. With my broken English at the time, I knew that I needed to say something and stand up for her. The second time, at another student’s home, I witnessed her dad slapping her mother’s face while screaming at her insulting her with very obscene language. I intervened. Yes, at 14!

Intimate partner violence (IPV) has existed for centuries in the United States and all over the world. IPV includes a spectrum of physical, sexual, or psychological harm as well as stalking conduct by a present or former partner across a sequence of severity. Many types of abusive behaviors have been identified including social and/or financial abuse. IPV does not discriminate. It affects men and women. Children and adults. It affects heterosexual and same sex couples alike. Couples of all . This type of abuse is seen across all education and socioeconomic levels and happens in all ethnic, racial, and religious groups.

Most of these relationships start off normally. As time goes by, the behavior changes. A partner may become more controlling, or become possessive of the other person. These changes usually don’t happen overnight. They often occur gradually. In the United States, IPV is a critical public health concern that mostly affects women and girls. Adames & Campbell (2015) reported that over a third of women in the United States have experienced intimate partner violence such as rape, physical violence, or stalking by a partner.. It was not classified as a topic for public concern until the 20th century.  Furthermore, the issue of “wife beating” was not introduced to the political arena or defined as a problem until the 1970s.

To give a historical context, women have been devalued and owned by a patriarchal society and systems which support male authority and control that encourages subordination and submissiveness (Adames & Campbell, 2015). Some patriarchal values and beliefs systems do not cause men to commit intimate partner violence, however, they do influence a role in its continuation of these behaviors by shaping the culture in which the normal gender roles expectations of male control and dominance and female subordination continue to be fostered. These patriarchal values and belief systems of male, heterosexual dominance, plus the under value of women and girls lie at the root of these gender-based violence and control dynamics.

It is estimated that nearly 20 people per minute can be physically and emotionally abused by an intimate partner in the United States. Moreover, it is estimated that one in four women will experience a very serious intimate partner physical aggressive act of violence (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, NCADV, 2023). The rise and development of the feminist movement was a major factor that contributed to the heightened awareness of the intimate partner violence issue. (Smith, 2006). Efforts by the battered women’s movement in the past decades have aided in the shift of private and public perception that have led to address this issue.

When we think about trafficking, there is an overlap in the pattern of behaviors that both abusers and traffickers use to exert power and control over a victim. According to the National Network to end domestic violence (NNEDV), intimate partner violence perpetrators often use the same power and control tactics as traffickers to groom and control their victims, including psychological manipulation, physical abuse, financial control, substance abuse coercion, and sexual violence. Many people who experience intimate partner violence and trafficking are subject to an ongoing cycle of trauma. When these partners behave abusively, they undermine the trust in a relationship, which makes their victims become more vulnerable to emotional or financial exploitation. This in turn exposes them to further victimization by intimates and strangers.

Domestic violence is a destructive crime that creates life-altering damage for everyone involved. Knowing how to recognize the signs of intimate partner violence in a relationship and the power and control dynamics that are exerted, is an important step in beginning to break the cycle.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, intimate partner violence, you can call the 24-hour hotline:  National Domestic Violence Hotline - 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

Adames, S. B., & Campbell, R. (2015). Latinas conceptualizations of intimate partner violence. Violence Against Women, 11, 1341–1364. https://doi.org/10.1177/1077801205280191

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). Understanding intimate partner violence: Fact sheet. http://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/IPV_factsheet-a.pdf.

NCADV (2023). National Coalition Against Domestic Violence

Cultural Resilience: Addressing Human Trafficking during Hispanic Heritage Month

Written by Nevaeh Lopez, Adult Case Manager, New Friends New Life

Growing up in the North Dallas area and attending private school throughout my developmental years, I often felt like an outsider looking into a world where my traditions and identity felt out of place and unfamiliar. For many years, my Hispanic identity was overshadowed by the need to fit in with those around me.

I saw my heritage as an obstacle, rather than a treasure; I often felt the need to blend into the world around me, and not embrace what made me unique. I remember feeling embarrassed about family traditions and customs, especially when they felt different from my peers. I did not have a huge quinceañera due to financial limitations and the desire to fit in with my friends, who had celebrations of “Sweet 16” instead.

It was not until I was older and in college that I truly understood the significance of my culture on how it enriches my life and connects me to my roots. The ability to communicate in Spanish was able to provide job opportunities and offer support to those around me.  I was able to connect with people on a more meaningful level upon realizing we had the same experiences and backgrounds. We all shared a strong sense of resilience and adaptability to overcome whatever obstacles we might face.

One of the most profound impacts of being Hispanic is having the support and guidance of my Hispanic family, friends, and community that surrounds me. It saddens me to know that not all women and girls have had the same level of support that I have been fortunate enough to receive. Without a strong support network and sense of community, these women and girls find themselves in vulnerable situations that may lead to exploitative environments.

In 2021, there were 10,359 situations of human trafficking reported (Polaris, 2018). Of these 10,000 situations, 72% of them were sex trafficking and 20% of the women impacted were of Hispanic descent (Polaris, 2018). The data shows that an incredibly high number of people who come from Latin America and the Caribbean are being exploited through human trafficking (Polaris, 2020). Immigrants from Latin American countries also make up 77% of all labor trafficking situations (Polaris, 2020).

Several factors can contribute to the exploitation of the Hispanic community, including economic instability, fear of deportation, lack of community support, and limited access to resources (Group, 2022). These issues highlight the need of supporting not only of the Hispanic population, but also supporting people of all different backgrounds. By offering our support and being firm in our beliefs, we can help create a safer environment. It is our responsibility to advocate for those who may be vulnerable and unable to fight for themselves. Hispanic heritage month, let us come together to make a significant impact on all communities and treat all people with the respect and dignity.

Group, G. (2022, February 28). Sex Trafficking Statistics - Guardian Group. Guardian Group. https://guardiangroup.org/sex-trafficking-statistics

Polaris. (2018, November 7). Myths, facts, and statistics. Polaris. https://polarisproject.org/myths-facts-and-statistics/

‌Polaris. (2020). The Latino Face of Human Trafficking and Exploitation in The United States EXECUTIVE SUMMARY. https://polarisproject.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/EXECUTIVE-SUMMARY-The-Latino-Face-of-Human-Trafficking-and-Exploitation-in-the-United-States.pdf

The Role of Fathers & Men in Society: Champions of Justice and Dignity for All

Written by Samantha Carmean, Development Assistant, New Friends New Life

I remember being five-years-old, my dad tucking me into bed and reading me my favorite bedtime story, Good Night, Sweet Butterflies. We would go on to say our nightly prayer and he would send me off with sweet dreams. At that time, you couldn’t tell me he wasn’t the best storyteller and hug-giver. Honestly, you still can’t tell me differently today.

Next, I remember being sixteen and going through my first heartbreak. I stayed up all night crying and came downstairs the next morning with puffy eyes and little to say. My dad made me an egg sandwich and held me in a way that words couldn’t.

I remember just last year, coming home from college for a short weekend just a month away from graduating. Throughout the semester, I had felt a shadow of fear for what was to come. I was so worried about not having things all lined up and I didn’t want to disappoint anyone. Before I left that Sunday, it was my dad who told me how proud he was of me for all that I had accomplished in the last four years. He told me he did not want me to settle for a job I did not want, and he assured me that I would always have his and my mom’s support. I am not sure he had any idea that his words were an answered prayer to soothe all the fears and worries I was having.

Reflecting on Father’s Day, I think of intentional moments of encouragement and acts of service that say more than words can. I think of my dad’s voice yelling out as I head out of the door for work (yes, even as a grown adult) “Have a marvelous Monday”, “terrific Tuesday”, and of course “Happy Hummmmp Day”. I think of a constant ray of positivity and the continual presence of someone who truly wants the best for me.

I am grateful each Father’s Day to revel in the special moments I have with my dad and to think of all the ways he has contributed to my sense of safety, security, and confidence. However, I know that this holiday does not always bring to mind the same positive memories and emotions for everyone. For many, the hurt and pain that you carry come from the very person who was supposed to love and protect you.

If that is your story, I want to say I am sorry. It was never supposed to be that way. I am proud of you though for the courageous work you are doing or will do to heal and to create healthy relationships, although it should have never been your burden to carry. You are strong. And you are loved.

The role of a father and that of a man carries a great responsibility in shaping our society, including contributing to a sense of safety in our communities and combatting the issue of human trafficking. Behind every victim and survivor of trafficking is a complex web of factors contributing to their vulnerabilities. Fathers/men, as pivotal figures within families, communities, and society at large can both directly and indirectly influence these factors.

As a protective factor, a supportive and nurturing father figure can instill resilience, self-esteem, and a sense of autonomy in their children. Open communication, emotional support, and modeling healthy behavior can empower children to do the same (Bridging Freedom, 2023).

At New Friends New Life, our Men’s Advocacy Group mobilizes men to take action against sex trafficking and exploitation. Fathers, leaders, and men all over can actively engage in advocacy efforts, leveraging their influence to amplify the voices of survivors, challenging societal norms, and being a champion of justice and dignity for women and girls. One of my favorite things at NFNL is when we celebrate Valentine’s Day. On this occasion, we invite our MAG and male volunteers to serve a meal and gift a rose to our members. It’s a small gesture, but a big way to say I see you and I stand for you.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, let us not only express gratitude for the love, guidance, and sacrifices of the fathers/ father figures in our lives but also recognize the pivotal role they play in creating a healthy and safe community for all.

Lastly, to my dad-

Thank you for being my biggest cheerleader, a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day, and my best friend. You sure do make a mean egg sandwich ;) I love you.

Sources: Bridging Freedom. “Role of Fathers in Preventing & Combating Human Trafficking.” Bridging Freedom, 8 June 2023, www.bridgingfreedom.org/role-of-fathers/.