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Human Trafficking

What is Human Trafficking?

“The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt, bondage or slavery.”

The Diocese of Atlanta is committed to fighting the growing challenge of human trafficking in North & Middle Georgia, educating its people, and providing resources for each individual parish to determine how best to become involved.

How Can You Help?

Pray: Join us in praying for an end to Human Trafficking. Pray for the victims and those who protect them, pray for the sellers and the buyers. Please consider adding these prayers to your weekly Prayers of the People.

Educate: Actively educate yourselves. Volunteer as a facilitator for your own congregation and others, or schedule one of our speakers to come to you.

Advocate: Become an advocate for the rights of survivors. Help us prosecute buyers and sellers by creating policy. Donate your time and skills to the cause pro bono.

Support: Donate to our partners to further the mission of putting an end to the worldwide crisis of Human Trafficking.

Will You Join Us in This Hard and Holy Work?

If you would like to get involved or have questions, please contact Ron Bagwell at humantraffickingdioatl@gmail.com.

Human Trafficking Report by the Commission

Commission Members

The Rev. Victoria Jarvis | Deacon, Commission Chair; St. Martin in the Fields, Brookhaven
Megan Atkinson | Director of Children and Youth, Holy Innocents Episcopal Church, Sandy Springs
Ron Bagwell | Parishioner, St. David’s, Roswell
Dr. Joan Cranford | Asst. Dean & Clinical Professor, GSU; St. Paul’s, Atlanta
The Hon. Rebecca Grist | Bibb County Solicitor-General; Christ Church, Macon
Jonathan Tonge | Sex Trafficking Attorney; St. Luke’s , Atlanta
The Rev. Kenya Thompson | Director of Leadership, Development, and Education, Emmaus House, Atlanta

Organizations Working in Human Trafficking

The following is a list of several organizations working in human trafficking and links to their websites.

Street Grace

Works to create a web of protection and advocacy, giving communities the power to stand up, speak out and take action.

Out of Darkness

Reach, Rescue, Restore

Wellspring Living

Transforming lives of those at risk or victimized by sexual exploitation. Residential and Community based programs.

Rescuing Hope

Mission: Enlighten, Educate, Empower

Children’s Advocacy Centers of Georgia

Aiding and empowering community members, first responders, direct service providers in their anti-CSEC/DMST efforts

IHTI

National Center for Civil and Human Rights

Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

Statewide Human Trafficking Taskforce. Where criminal justice and victim’s service programs are just, accessible, and compassionate.

Polaris Project

Works to combat and prevent Sex & Labor Trafficking in North America.

Interfaith Children’s Movement

Dedicated to improving the well-being of all children in the state of Georgia.

Covenant House

Provides more than a bed and a meal for youth experiencing homelessness and escaping trafficking; they show unconditional love and give comprehensive support so their youth can and will realize their fullest potential.

Thistle Farms

Healing, Hope, & Freedom for women survivors

Committee for Children

Hot Chocolate Talks – Education on how to talk to your children about sexual abuse at any age. Education is key to prevention.

Path to Shine

Mentoring and tutoring program for elementary children in North and Middle Georgia

24/7 Confidential Hotlines

If you are being exploited, or know someone who might be, please use the following free hotlines:

National Human Trafficking Hotline

1 (888) 373-7888 (TTY: 711) | Text 233733

Georgia Coalition to Combat Human Trafficking

1 (866) 363-4842