About Mid-Atlantic Regional Anti-Human Trafficking
Mid-Atlantic Region
Anti-Human Trafficking Ministry
2024-2026 Vision
Revised: February 24, 2022, February 15, 2023,
February 7, 2024
Anti-Human Trafficking has been a ministry of the Mid-Atlantic Region since 2014 and for some Lighthouses before then. The focus at the Regional, Area, and Lighthouse levels, takes many forms, with an emphasis on prayer stressing the Aglow International Monthly Global Anti-Human Trafficking Prayer Targets. Activities concentrate on increasing public awareness of human trafficking, curtailing, and preventing trafficking. There have been workshops, parades, visits, information sharing, billboards; prayer calls, and walks and drives, filling and giving backpacks, volunteering with service providers, use of websites, Facebook, and other social and traditional media, and, yes, Zoom Rooms as we progressed through the pandemic.
Anti-Human Trafficking Accomplishments
An impressive series of Anti-Human Trafficking events and activities have taken place throughout the region beginning in 2015. These actions took place at the Regional, Area, Lighthouse, State Prayer Coordinator, and Ministry levels. Following is a summary, not all inclusive, of those accomplishments...
The White House has proclaimed January 2024 National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Following are a few important points taken from the Proclamation and by clicking on the blue line below you will get the actual Proclamation.
- We reaffirm our commitment to ending these predatory crimes at home and across the globe.
- Prevent trafficking, prosecute perpetrators, and protect survivors.
- We will continue working with global leaders to make sure that American imports are produced without forced labor.
- Expanding the jurisdiction of Tribal courts to prosecute non-Native American sex traffickers.
- Help people fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking find a safe home and reclaim their lives.
- This month, we urge every American to learn how to identify the signs of trafficking and to share the National Human Trafficking hotline (888-373-7888).
- I call upon businesses, civil society organizations, communities of faith, families, and all Americans to recognize the vital role we play in combating human trafficking and to observe this month with appropriate programs and activities aimed at preventing all forms of human trafficking.
Aglow International Anti-Human Trafficking 2022–2023
Monthly Global Prayer Targets and Operation Prayer Zone Prayer Targets
The Mid-Atlantic Anti-Human Trafficking brochure "You Can Change Lives" is available.
What Are Some Potential Signs That a Child is Being Groomed for, or Being Trafficked?
What Can We Do to STOP Human Trafficking?
To obtain paper copies of this brochure, contact Ed Thomas @ edtho@comcast.net
Resources
There is an abundance, of information available regarding human trafficking. All a person needs to do is google “Human Trafficking” or “Human Trafficking in (name the area; for example, Northern Virginia)” to get access to useful resources and to learn about human trafficking in your area. The information comes in many forms including websites, films, videos, webinars, videos, tool-kits, printed materials.
Current Events
Below is information related to events, publications and presentations that have become available recently.
Sound of Freedom - in theaters July 4th
Based on the gripping true story of a man’s mission to rescue children from the darkest corners of the world. This action-packed drama shines a light on the harrowing reality of sex trafficking and the valiant efforts of those who work tirelessly to combat it.
2023 Trafficking in Persons Report
On June 15, the U.S. State Department released the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report. This report provides a comprehensive, objective assessment of 188 countries and territories – including the United States. Its purpose is to showcase successful efforts to prevent trafficking, to identify areas where countries are falling short and have more work to do, and ultimately to eliminate trafficking altogether. In his remarks Secretary Blinken stated that, “The report also highlights a number of concerning trends.”
- The first is the continued expansion of forced labor.
- The second is the rise in labor trafficking using online scams.
- Third, the report exposes the risks facing an often-overlooked segment of trafficking victims: boys and young men.
The 90 page summary of the TIP report can be obtained at Download the 2023 Report the entire report, over 600 pages, will become available soon.
Recent News
A series of recent headlines from throughout the Mid-Atlantic Region make it clear that law enforcement agencies are dedicated to combating human trafficking, victim service provider groups are available to help rescued victims, and there seems to be an endless supply of buyers. Prayer is essential.
- Elsmere man admits to child abuse, "human trafficking for forced labor" - October 26 2023
- Greensboro police arrest two people on human trafficking charges – July 2023
- New law (NC) allows more trafficking victims to draw compensation – July 17, 2023
- Youngkin donates salary, taking steps to ‘end scourge of human trafficking’ - July 3 2023
- Hagerstown man facing sex trafficking charges - July 3, 2023
- Washington County Sheriff’s Office Arrests 6 In Connection With Human Trafficking and Sexual Solicitation Operation - June 11 2023
- Maryland man gets 9 years for trafficking case, Ellicott City, MD – October 29,2021
- Seminar prepares real estate professionals to identify signs of human trafficking – March 18, 2019
- Washington D.C. Commercial sex customer pleads guilty of sex trafficking of a minor – March 5, 2019
- Statesville (NC) pastor arrested on 30 additional child pornography charges
- Surgeon faces charges in South Carolina operation targeting online child predators
- At least 15 indicted for drug and sex trafficking in Brooklyn Park, MD
- Human trafficking in Virginia: New Data
- Baltimore businessman who paid $90,000 for sex sentenced to 18 months in prison