FAQs
How are the women forced into prostitution?
Each victim has a different story. Many poor families sell their daughters for extra money, believing that the girls will be given a great job and better life in the city and that the money paid for them is a "sign-on bonus" of sorts. Some girls are lured or kidnapped right off the street or in a public place, such as a shopping mall or street market. Other victims go with a trafficker to escape poverty, believing in the promise of a better life and job in the city. As soon as the girls reach the city, they are taken to the brothel, beaten into submission, and forced to stay there and work.
Do you buy girls out of the brothel?
No. In the past we paid off young girls' "debts" to brothel owners because it was the easiest way to get the girls out. But soon we realized that when we paid for one girl's release the money was used to purchase other girls. Today we negotiate each victim's release in partnership with the local government and other local organizations.
What happens to the women and girls after they are rescued?
After a victim is rescued she is taken to a Home of Hope -- a safe place where she can heal and be nurtured. At Homes of Hope, victims also receive the loving message of Christ, counseling, education, general medical care, basic literacy training, and vocational training leading to financial independence. Hospice care is also provided for women with HIV/AIDS.
How long do the women and girls stay at the Homes of Hope and where do they go from there?
Each rescued woman is welcome to stay until she feels she is ready to move out and live on her own. Some victims need more time than others to heal. Our main concern is that every woman and child in our care is fully provided for and never has to return to the dark world of prostitution. Once women leave our program, they go on to live fulfilled lives, usually working in a vocation they learned at their Home of Hope. We are proud to report that many of our women have become successful entrepreneurs.
Do you have additional information you can send me?
Absolutely. Just email us your address and the information you are seeking. We would be happy to send you one of our informational brochures, which we encourage you to share with your family and friends. We also have small group information packets that explain the nature of the trafficking industry and contain in-depth discussion points.
What can I do to help the ministry?
As we like to say, Hope Starts Here... with you. Any contribution you give is valuable and wholly given to the area in which you request. You can make a difference for young victims of sexual slavery in two ways: by donating time or donating money (or both).
Here are some of the ways you can support our ministry:
- Provide monthly care for a woman or child
- Give towards the building of a new Home
- Host a Project Rescue small group
- Feature Project Rescue at your missions convention or missions Sunday
- Host a prayer walk for victims of sex trafficking (click here for an interactive prayer guide)
- Sponsor a Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- Click here for more ideas!
Is it possible to sponsor a specific woman or child?
Due to the sensitive nature of the ministry and the women and girls we serve, we do not provide sponsorship opportuinities for specific women or girls. These women and children have been exploited for most of their lives and we aim to preserve their dignity in whatever ways we can. Releasing photos or allowing correspondence can be very dangerous to the former victim because Human Traffickers may still be looking for the woman or child. Your generous donations DO help support the needs of all the women and children.
I'd like to host a fundraiser for Project Rescue. Is this an option?
Yes. And we would love to help you by providing informational materials, videos and other resources. If you would like to host a fundraiser, click here and email us your idea and needs for the event.